OLDER AMERICANS ACT ON ITS WAY TO SENATE FLOOR

Older Americans Act On Its Way to the Senate Floor
OAA Reauthorization Act Passed by Senate HELP Committee

We reported to you last week that a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA) was introduced in the Senate. Now, just one week later, we’re happy to announce that the legislation was passed unanimously by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP). We send a special thanks to all of you who supported this outcome by contacting committee members or expressing support on social media. The next step in the legislative process is the Senate floor and, if we keep the pressure on, we can keep the progress going.

Making Overdue Progress

As you know, the OAA has been due for reauthorization since 2011. Our Association commends Senators Alexander (R-TN), Murray (D-WA), Burr (R-NC) and Sanders (I-VT) for their efforts and dedication in crafting S. 192, The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 and continuing to recognize the tremendous value OAA programs deliver. We believe that the bipartisan and unanimous support demonstrated in the Senate HELP Committee indicates promise that the OAA might finally be reauthorized this year. However, it’s going to be critical that we continue our advocacy to ensure that S. 192 is considered by the full Senate and moves onto the House for further action.

You can find the Association’s letter of support here and the HELP Committee’s press release here.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

While we await the next steps in the legislative process, there are actions you and your supporters can take right now to help push the OAA reauthorization forward.

Continue to reach out to your Senators by phone, email or social media and urge them to cosponsor and support S. 192, The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2015 on behalf of your organization and the seniors you serve. Tell them that reauthorizing the OAA is needed to support nutrition services and infrastructure that enable millions of our nation’s seniors to grow older in their communities and live with the independence and dignity they deserve.