Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015
Floor Speech
I want to start by thanking Chairman Kline and Ranking Member Scott for working to bring this important legislation to the floor today. Reauthorizing the Older Americans Act has been one of my top priorities. Over the years, I have sponsored legislation to strengthen essential programs that help keep seniors healthy and independent. Seniors in Oregon and across the country know how important the Older Americans Act programs are, so I have met with them to discuss ideas for improving the law, and I have advocated for funding for Older Americans Act programs and services.
All along, my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have been committed to reauthorizing this important law.
On behalf of seniors across the country, I thank my colleagues for their support for this legislation before the House--a 3-year reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.
I also want to thank the advocacy community and service delivery groups for their ongoing support for a strong, bipartisan reauthorization. Backing from a wide range of groups that are dedicated to the well-being of America's seniors helped make possible the legislation we are considering today.
Every day in our country, about 10,000 people turn 65. As the population of older adults continues to grow, we have a responsibility, as policymakers, to reevaluate and bolster the programs that keep seniors healthy, active, and engaged in their communities. The legislation we are considering will help older Americans from all backgrounds lead meaningful lives with dignity by continuing to support the delivery of health, transportation, and nutrition services to seniors in every State.
This legislation includes modest increases in authorization levels, building on the amounts appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2016 Omnibus Appropriations Act. Investments for currently funded Older Americans Act programs are overdue and will help meet the growing demand placed on these programs and services.
Increasing investments in programs like Meals on Wheels, which serves thousands of seniors, many of whom are homebound or low-income, will allow more adults to stay in their homes, where they can remain connected to their communities and avoid costlier long-term care.
For many adults, the hot meal they get from Meals on Wheels is the only one they will get that day. The volunteers who deliver the meal may provide their only social interaction, which is important for all seniors, but especially for those in isolated or rural areas.
Significantly, this legislation provides tools to curb both financial and physical elder abuse by promoting proven strategies for responding to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
According to the Elder Justice Coalition, there are more than 6 million victims of elder abuse every year--roughly 1 out of every 10 people over age 60. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, victims of elder financial abuse lose an estimated $2.9 billion a year, and too often they lose their entire life savings. I am pleased that this legislation continues to address the problem of elder abuse and takes steps to make sure older adults are not robbed of their resources or denied the dignity they deserve.
In addition, my colleague from Florida has expressed support for the Senior Medicare Patrol, a program that helps train senior volunteers to prevent and identify healthcare fraud and abuse. I want to reiterate support for this program and note that the Education and the Workforce Committee supports full funding for this important initiative, which should not come at the expense of funding other programs.
The Senior Medicare Patrol saves taxpayer dollars by protecting the integrity of healthcare programs. The return on investment for Older Americans Act programs is undeniable, and this is certainly the case for Senior Medicare Patrol as well.
Americans are living longer, more productive lives, and our policies need to keep pace. Older adults should not have to struggle to afford reliable transportation, nutritious food, and high-quality supportive services. Congress will need to continue to invest in and modernize services for seniors so all older adults, including LGBT elders and older individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, have access to programs that keep them healthy and engaged in their communities.
This legislation is an important step forward. I am glad that Congress is coming together today with bipartisan support to recognize the valuable role that Older Americans Act programs play across the country. These programs work. Reauthorizing them means that America's seniors and their caregivers will continue to receive the services, resources, and support they need.
Mr. Speaker, the reauthorization we are considering today is an important way to recognize that in the United States of America, our seniors--our parents and grandparents across the country--deserve to live healthy, fulfilling lives and live them with dignity.
I, again, thank Ranking Member Scott and Chairman Kline for their leadership. I also want to thank the hardworking staff on both sides of the aisle for their dedication to improving the lives of all Americans.
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Ms. BONAMICI. I yield the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.
In the United States, its population of older adults is projected to increase from approximately 57 million people, who were aged 60 and older in 2010, to about 76 million older adults by our next census in 2020. Despite the rapid rise in the population of seniors and the growing strain that has been placed on important services for older individuals, Congress allowed the Older Americans Act to expire in 2011. Fortunately, today, the House has the opportunity to pass a reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, and it is not a moment too soon.
This legislation increases the Federal investment in Older Americans Act programs, which serve millions of seniors in towns, in cities, and in rural areas across the United States. Reauthorizing these programs means that older adults will continue to receive nutritious meals, legal assistance, preventative health care, and other essential services that make it possible for them to live independently and to age with dignity.
I agree with my colleague from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) that, if one hasn't been to one of these programs, one should definitely go and spend some time with the people who are receiving these services. It is very meaningful. It changes their lives.
I also thank my friend and colleague from Florida (Mr. Curbelo) as well as Ranking Member Scott and Chairman Kline for their commitment to America's seniors.
I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bipartisan measure to reauthorize the Older Americans Act.
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