MEDIA ADVISORY Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand to Lead Aging Committee Hearing on Combating Elder Abuse and Neglect

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, July 30, Chairman Rick Scott and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging will hold a hearing titled “Awareness to Action: Combating Elder Abuse and Neglect” to confront the often-overlooked and deeply troubling crisis of elder abuse and neglect facing our aging population. The hearing will focus on how Congress can take decisive action by reauthorizing the Older Americans Act (OAA), a cornerstone law that funds programs essential to safeguarding the health, safety, and dignity of aging Americans. Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Gillibrand, and eight bipartisan colleagues have led the charge to reintroduce the OAA this year and are urging its swift passage.

The hearing will cover the urgent need for stronger protections against elder abuse and explore effective state-level policies that are already making a difference throughout communities. Witnesses will share insights on how expanded public awareness, better coordination among caregivers and law enforcement, and community-based initiatives can improve early detection, reporting, and prevention of elder mistreatment.

Witnesses for the hearing will include:

• Maricela Morado, President & CEO, Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

• Nelson Bunn, Executive Director, National District Attorneys Association

• Sean Voskuhl, Oklahoma State Director, AARP

• Lori Smetanka, Executive Director, National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care

WHEN: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

3:30 PM

WHERE: Dirksen Senate Office Building, SD-106

WATCH: Live broadcast online HERE.

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