[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 137 (Monday, October 5, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          REAUTHORIZATION OF THE OLDER AMERICAN'S ACT OF 1965

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today in support of Senate 
Bill 2295. Senator John McCain introduced this bill to reauthorize the 
Older American's Act of 1965. This legislation will extend 
authorization for three years for America's senior citizen population.
   Today's seniors face issues and problems that will eventually effect 
every American. I watched my parents confront life as seniors, and I 
too am concerned about my life after retirement. Taxes, health care, 
Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and quality of life issues are 
just a few of the areas in which our seniors face difficult challenges.
  The number of people 65 years of age and older is expected to grow 
more than three times as fast as the total population through the next 
thirty years. I believe the Older Americans Act provides essential 
programs for this growing population. The Older Americans Act includes 
senior programs such as the senior nutrition program, senior employment 
services, and the foster grandparent program, among others. Area 
Agencies on Aging throughout Michigan and the nation conduct various 
social and health related programs for seniors through the Older 
American's Act. These programs, when run effectively and efficiently, 
are a great service to our elderly population.
  The Older American's Act has been without reauthorization for too 
long. I supported this straight reauthorization to provide some 
stability to these important programs. I believe congress must take 
steps to ensure the health and well-being of the growing elderly 
population. For these reasons, I am proud to join my colleagues in 
cosponsoring this important legislation.

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