[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 64 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H3373-H3374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          OLDER AMERICANS ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez) is 
recognized during morning hour debates for 2 minutes.
  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, May is Older Americans Month, which gives 
us the special opportunity to honor our Nation's seniors. The theme of 
this month is living longer and growing stronger in America; and we are 
saluting the growing numbers of Americans who enjoy increased longevity 
and continue to contribute to their families, their communities and to 
this country.

[[Page H3374]]

However, we cannot adequately honor them unless we have first ensured 
them a safe and a healthy life-style.
  Americans age 65 and older are the fastest-growing segment of our 
population. In just 2 years, there will be over 35 million of them in 
this country. Unfortunately, some of the most critical programs that 
provide seniors with food, health care, and living assistance are now 
being threatened.
  The Older Americans Act has not been reauthorized since 1995. The 
programs are running out of funding. As a result, seniors throughout 
this country are suffering.
  I have heard from many back home about how these cuts are affecting 
their lives. I have received many letters from seniors telling me their 
stories of having to be on a waiting list for 3 years just to get 
something like Meals on Wheels.
  The majority party in this House must promise, and there is no better 
time than this month of May to get working on the reauthorization of 
the Older Americans Act. We must complete this work before the 105th 
Congress adjourns. If not, then essential programs like Meals on 
Wheels, nutritional services, and elder abuse prevention programs are 
not going to reach some of our neediest seniors.
  Throughout the decades of its existence, the Older Americans Act has 
served our Nation's aging population well. These programs are important 
not only because they help seniors maintain a healthy life-style, but 
they also bolster seniors' independence and their sense of dignity. If 
we are to truly honor our Nation's seniors this month, then we must 
reauthorize the Older Americans Act.

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