Jack Reed: “I rise today to echo the strong support of my colleagues for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. In July, we…”

“I rise today to echo the strong support of my colleagues for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. In July, we celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, a milestone for a program that has meant so much to millions of America's seniors. The Older Americans Act brings critical support services to the elderly in communities throughout this nation and has greatly benefitted seniors in my State. The long overdue reauthorization of this Act is particularly significant for the State of Rhode Island. The Older Americans Act has had a long and rich legacy in my State since the Act's inception. Indeed, former Rhode Island Congressman John Fogarty played a key role in authoring the original Act, and I am pleased to have played a role in the reauthorization of this historic Act. Since 1965, thousands of Rhode Island seniors have enjoyed the benefits of Older Americans Act programs--from congregate and home delivered meals, senior center programs, protective and legal services for the elderly, among other essential programs and services, all of which have brought comfort and enrichment to the lives of seniors in my State.”