John Kline: “I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. I rise today in strong support of this legislation reauthorizing the Older…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. I rise today in strong support of this legislation reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. Since it was first enacted, this act has been a vital resource for America's seniors and their caregivers. Through a wide range of services, it has helped older individuals enjoy their independence and stay active, both in their homes and in their communities. However, much has changed in the last 50 years. Today, Americans are living longer, and the senior population is significantly larger and more independent than it once was. What hasn't changed is the responsibility we have to take care of our seniors. That is why, in addition to continuing the vital support established by the Older Americans Act, this reauthorization makes a number of important improvements to ensure the law is still providing the kind of help American seniors need. First, it provides better protections for our most vulnerable seniors. The bill promotes best practices for responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, strengthens protections for all residents of long-term care facilities, and improves the coordination of activities between State and local aging offices. Other important updates include measures to streamline and improve how the programs under the law are administered. Too often taxpayer dollars go to programs that are outdated, ineffective, or simply not being used as they could be.…”