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Congress must get the Older Americans Act reauthorization across the finish line
The opinion article urges the US House of Representatives to pass the Senate’s bipartisan reauthorisation of the Older Americans Act. It argues that doing so would preserve and update programmes that help older people remain healthy, independent and connected in their communities, including meal delivery, transport and support for carers.
The Senate unanimously passed the four-year reauthorisation bill, S.2120, on 14 July, leaving House approval as the next step. The Act, originally enacted in 1965, has operated without reauthorisation since 2024 and supports an estimated 11 million older adults and family carers; advocates also call for increased funding, particularly for nutrition services.
In short
- House urged to pass bipartisan Older Americans Act renewal.
- Senate approved a four-year bill unanimously.
- Programmes support roughly 11 million older Americans and carers.
Explained simply
The Older Americans Act is a US law, first passed in 1965, that funds services for older people and their carers. These include delivered meals, transport, help for carers and activities that connect people with their communities.
The law supports an estimated 11 million older adults and family carers. Its funding goes through programmes run by states and local organisations, helping people stay healthy and live independently.
The Act has not been reauthorised since 2024. A reauthorisation sets its programmes and funding framework for a new period; advocates have also called for more money, especially for nutrition services.
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