WASHINGTON, DC — AARP applauds the U.S. House of Representatives today for passing long-awaited bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (OAA). The House passed an amended version of S. 192, legislation that passed unanimously in the Senate last July.

“AARP appreciates the bipartisan work of the House of Representatives in passing the Older Americans Act reauthorization. AARP urges the Senate to quickly pass this bill,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “It has been four years since the OAA was reauthorized and millions of our most vulnerable older Americans depend on the programs and services that the OAA helps to fund. These programs and services allow people to live longer with independence in their own homes and communities.

“We would especially like to thank Chairman John Kline and Ranking Member Bobby Scott on the House Education and Workforce Committee for their leadership and resolve to get the OAA passed,” continued Jenkins.

This OAA reauthorization bill safeguards essential programs and services that assist, protect, nourish and sustain older Americans, and promotes their dignity and independence in a fiscally responsible way. The OAA helps save precious federal and state tax dollars by keeping older Americans out of nursing homes and preventing unnecessary hospital readmissions.

Since it was enacted into law in 1965, millions of at-risk older Americans have relied on the services provided by the OAA for their health and financial security. These services help older Americans live independently by:

• Supporting nutrition programs, including Meals-on-Wheels;
• Providing home and community-based services, including preventive health services and transportation assistance;
• Assisting family caregivers with information and referral, counseling and respite care;
• Preventing and detecting elder abuse; and
• Providing part-time community service employment and training, including the Senior Community Employment Program (SCSEP), which has helped more than 1 million older Americans enter the workforce.

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About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

CONTACT:
Greg Phillips, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia