On the recordMarch 4, 2020
last night the Senate unanimously passed my legislation, the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020. I developed this important legislation with Senator Bob Casey, who serves as the ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, which I chair, to reauthorize and strengthen the landmark Older Americans Act. A bipartisan group of 24 Senators cosponsored this reauthorization, and 128 national organizations endorsed it. I rise today to commend this bipartisan achievement that will ensure that vital services for our seniors continue and are strengthened. Since 1965, the Older Americans Act has helped to ensure that millions of seniors receive the support they need to age independently and with dignity. Administered by the Administration for Community Living, the Older Americans Act authorizes an array of services through a network of 56 State units on aging and more than 600 area agencies on aging, serving more than 10 million Americans throughout the Nation each year. OAA programs provide nutritious food, transportation, assistance to caregivers, and in-home services for older adults. These investments foster a sense of community for older adults and save taxpayers money by reducing hospitalizations and the need for long-term residential care. As our population ages, demand for Older Americans Act services has grown. Our legislation extends OAA programs for 5 years and provides increased investments to meet growing demands.…
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