Virginia Foxx: “I would like to begin by thanking Representative Stefanik for her leadership on this legislation before us today. I rise…”

“I would like to begin by thanking Representative Stefanik for her leadership on this legislation before us today. I rise today to speak in support of H.R. 4334, the Dignity in Aging Act, which will reauthorize the Older Americans Act through 2024. For over 50 years, the Older Americans Act, or OAA, has helped provide social and nutrition services to older Americans. With more than 40 million Americans aged 65 and older, the programs and services offered by OAA are helping them maintain independence, and the data shows overwhelmingly that these programs help older Americans live higher-quality lives. The reach of this law is substantial and covers many aspects of elder care beyond just well-known programs like Meals on Wheels. OAA supports services that include: Nutrition programs providing meals at senior centers, schools, and churches; care to prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors; family caregiver support systems; and services to help older Americans move into employment. This reauthorization is the product of bipartisan hard work with Members of the Education and Labor Committee and shows the good that can come from working together. Through productive conversation and compromise, we have successfully authorized grants for States and Area Agencies on Aging, AAAs, responsible for coordinating local services for older individuals.…”