Bart Stupak: “I rise in support of H.R. 782, the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. I am pleased to see that this Congress…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 782, the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. I am pleased to see that this Congress has finally come together to reauthorize this vital legislation, after several years of failing to reach agreement and passing only annual appropriations to keep it going. The Older Americans Act is essential to this nation's older citizens. It funds a wide array of supportive services, including home care and ombudsman services for long-term care facility residents, a subsidized employment program, and provides new authority for a National Family Caregiver Support Program which will assist families who care for the frail elderly. There is no question that as this nation's baby boomers age and as people are living longer, the challenges of aiding and providing for the elderly must be met. With the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act until 2005, Congress will ensure that the needs of our seniors will continue to be at the forefront. I would also like to draw attention to one particular program being reauthorized in the Older Americans Act, the elderly nutrition program. This program provides over 240 million congregate and home-delivered meals to over 3 million older persons annually.”