[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 26 (Tuesday, March 4, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1924-S1925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

       By Ms. MIKULSKI:

  S. 390. A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide 
for Federal-State performance partnerships, to consolidate all 
nutrition programs under the act in the Department of Health and Human 
Services, to extend authorizations of appropriations for programs under 
the act through fiscal year 2000, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Labor and Human Resources.


               THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1997

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I introduce the Older Americans 
Act amendments of 1997. The Older Americans Act expired in 1995 and we 
have

[[Page S1925]]

not been able to reach consensus on reauthorizing it since then. I am 
introducing last year's administration bill. This bill may not be 
perfect. But, I want to get the debate started. The act is critical to 
meeting the day-to-day needs of America's seniors. This bill serves as 
a starting point for our deliberations.
  The Older Americans Act has been the major vehicle for organizing and 
delivering social services to the elderly since it was passed in 1965. 
It has supported a broad array of service programs through a network of 
57 State agencies and 670 local area agencies on aging. As a result of 
this act, our seniors have benefited from millions of contacts and 
referrals for services. They have benefited from millions of rides and 
meals provided through the transportation and nutrition programs. They 
have benefited from the elder abuse program. And, they have benefited 
from the jobs program. These examples show how coordinated service 
programs help keep our seniors in their own homes and communities as 
viable members of society.
  The bill I put forth today focuses on increasing flexibility to 
States, area agencies on aging, and providers. This flexibility will 
allow them to be innovative in designing and implementing programs and 
services for the elderly. It takes into account the distinct interest 
of all partners. It strives to balance those interest between all 
partners. It focuses on streamlining and enhancing effectiveness of 
programs for our seniors. It sets the stage for performance 
partnerships and innovative ways of providing services. It ensures that 
performance measures mandated under the Government Performance and 
Results Act [GPRA] are in place so that we can see the results of these 
programs. It retains the programs for native Americans.
  These are some of the things this bill will do. But, it is time for 
us to take action. It is time for us to address the issues at hand. It 
is time for us to pass a bill ensuring that the needed services and 
programs are available to our seniors.
                                 ______