WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Senator Rick Scott, and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Chairman Bill Cassidy and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, announced the reintroduction of the Older Americans Act (OAA) to renew vital programs our nation’s seniors rely on. Originally enacted in 1965, the OAA has provided essential nutrition, social, and health services to older Americans for nearly six decades. Senators Susan Collins, Tim Kaine, Ben Ray Luján, Ed Markey, Lisa Murkowski, and Markwayne Mullin are cosponsors of the legislation.
The OAA was last reauthorized in 2020 with unanimous passage by the Senate. The newly introduced legislation would reauthorize OAA programs through fiscal year 2030, including updates to strengthen program integrity, encourage innovation and flexibility, and enhance support for family caregivers and the direct care workforce. The bill also includes provisions to better serve Tribal elders and older adults with disabilities, helping them age with dignity and independence in their communities.
Chairman Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan legislation to strengthen support for America’s older adults and reaffirm our commitment to helping them enjoy their golden years with dignity and independence. As Chair of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, I understand how essential it is that the more than 59 million older Americans in communities across our nation have access to critical services made possible through the Older Americans Act like nutrition, in-home care, and caregiver support. I was proud to lead a bipartisan resolution recognizing May 2025 as Older Americans Month, and am determined to work alongside my colleagues to see the Older Americans Act quickly reauthorized. Our seniors have spent their lives building and serving this country, and this bill is one way we ensure they continue to be supported, respected, and valued.”
Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand said, “The OAA has been a lifeline for American seniors since its passage over half a century ago. This landmark legislation helps our nation’s seniors thrive by supporting programs that provide nutrition assistance, home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation services, caregiver support, disease prevention services, long-term care, and more. Last year, over 12 million Americans were served by programs funded by the OAA. We owe it to seniors to strengthen and continue funding these programs so they have the support they need to age with dignity and respect. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, I am firmly committed to getting this bill passed with bipartisan support.”
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