Political Quotes

“I thank Representatives Bonamici, Stefanik, Lee of Nevada, Comer, Wild, and Johnson of South Dakota for their work on this bipartisan bill. I want to specifically recognize Ms. Bonamici, who serves as the chair of the Subcommittee on Civil Rights and Human Services for the Committee on Education and Labor. Because of her leadership, we are here today to consider the Dignity in Aging Act and to reauthorize the Older Americans Act and, thereby, support and invest in our Nation's seniors. {time} 1445 Congress first passed the Older Americans Act in 1965, along with Medicare, Medicaid, and other civil rights legislation as part of President Johnson's great society. Fifty-four years later, this act continues to support a range of programs that now help 11 million aging Americans retain their independence and avoid costly institutional care. This includes 3 million Americans who regularly use OAA services to address their basic needs, especially food, transportation, and social interaction. Unfortunately, the OAA funding has not kept pace with inflation and the growing population of aging Americans. In 2010, the annual funding was $42.95 per senior in today's dollars. Today, it is not $42.95, it is only $27.25. This disinvestment has weakened the OAA programs at a time when services are in high demand. According to a 2015 GAO report, OAA services fail to reach a vast majority of low-income Americans who experience food insecurity.…”