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Dignity in Aging Act of 2019

Floor Speech

Date: Oct. 28, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Senior Citizens Health and Health Care

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Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, 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.

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.

The investments we make through this legislation will not only allow us to help seniors, but also help us save money. OAA services allow older Americans to delay or altogether avoid costlier care by promoting healthier behaviors and promoting critical supportive services.

The bill funds OAA services at record levels. It focuses on the vital role of family caregivers, as well as direct care workers, and allows those with early onset Alzheimer's to benefit from the act.

As the number of older Americans continues to increase, the Dignity in Aging Act is an opportunity for us to strengthen essential services that allow millions of Americans across the country to age independently and with dignity. I urge my colleagues to support the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019.

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