So, we have a choice, either we are going to respond to the crises facing seniors, adequately fund these programs, or we don't.

Senator Cassidy, that is near and dear to my heart.

I defer to Senator Collins.

Let us be clear, this is a point that needs to be made over and over again, these nutrition programs not only provide good nutrition, but anyone who understands the Meals on Wheels program knows that it is important it is not just the…

Matter of fact, malnutrition among seniors today costs our society over $50 billion each and every year, a rather an incredible amount of money.

I defer to Senator Collins.

Bottom line is here, and what is of concern to this Committee is since 2016, despite increased demand that a massive increase in the number of seniors in America, funding for the Older Americans Act has gone down by nearly 20 percent after…

I think about these throw rugs that are easy to slip upon and somebody breaks their hip.

This year, the HELP Committee will need to pass legislation reauthorizing the program, and I am glad to join Chair Sanders in leading a bipartisan working group with Senators Collins, Braun, Mullin, Casey, Kaine, and Markey.

Let the record show I slapped my head.

We appreciate the opportunity to work with you to advance support for older adults and their family caregivers.

Senator Cassidy, that is near and dear to my heart.

If you will, you are not competing for the person who might be doing lawn work out there, but rather you are taking a group of folks who would have maybe more empathy with the clientele.

I think it is incumbent upon us to say--to get our PBM reform legislation, which we worked on a bipartisan basis in this Committee, signed into law.

I am almost thinking, Senator Cassidy, that we should change the name of this Committee to the prevention committee.

We have, historically in Congress, come together on a bipartisan basis to reauthorize this, strengthen its support for all seniors.

I defer to Senator Collins.

Post-COVID, we need to look at and make sure the programs that we are authorizing work.

Let us be clear, this is a point that needs to be made over and over again, these nutrition programs not only provide good nutrition, but anyone who understands the Meals on Wheels program knows that it is important it is not just the…

I know this is a different Committee, but do you run into problems with the retirement earnings test in which they get a decrease in their Social Security payment if they go back to work?

Thank you, Chairman Sanders. And thank you all for being here. Really a great mission.

Bottom line is here, and what is of concern to this Committee is since 2016, despite increased demand that a massive increase in the number of seniors in America, funding for the Older Americans Act has gone down by nearly 20 percent after…

We support what works.

Since ERISA, the defined benefits system has been largely replaced by the defined contribution which has flourished.

Let's make it easier for the defined contribution to include them.