[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 15, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H4327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  2045
                          OLDER AMERICANS ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hayes). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Chairman, 1999 has been designated the 
International Year of Older Persons. The year marks a time to reflect 
upon the contributions of our seniors and assess our efforts to secure 
their continued health and well-being. During this year, we honor those 
who contribute to our communities as grandparents, parents, workers, 
volunteers, and as role models. They are the keepers of our traditions 
and the teachers of our values. While honoring these heroes this year, 
we must also work to support them where help is needed. This means 
looking to the future and ensuring the strength of our programs that 
serve our elders.
  The next century is anticipated to be a golden age for seniors, with 
life expectancy increasing and predictions that older persons will 
outnumber children for the first time in our history. America's seniors 
are more physically and mentally fit than ever before. Yet with these 
positive changes, we can anticipate a greater burden for our health 
care system.
  One way of preparing for the future is to renew the Older Americans 
Act, which has not been reauthorized since 1995. Since that time, our 
Nation's seniors and the programs established to serve them have faced 
an uncertain future. Because these programs help our seniors to remain 
active, healthy and part of their communities, I have asked the House 
leadership to make it a priority for passage this year.
  The Older Americans Act has been a special program for over 34 years. 
Using a small slice of the Federal budget, the Older Americans Act has 
provided hot meals, legal assistance, employment for seniors and 
services for the home-bound. I have seen firsthand how these programs 
assist and benefit seniors in my home State of Kansas.
  Kansas seniors have given a lifetime of service. Renewing these 
programs that preserve their well-being allows us to give back a little 
to those who have made our country what it is today.
  We take pride in celebrating older Americans who demonstrate new 
horizons for what is thought impossible for older persons. Both Bob 
Dole and John Glenn are these types of heroes who continue to defy 
limitations and inspire others to play leading roles in their 
communities. However, there are other, lesser-known older Americans who 
have been important to their own communities and now make use of the 
services of the Older Americans Act. The least we can do is to assist 
those who have given all they can and want to continue to live healthy 
and active lives.
  Long life is a gift we treasure, and along with this gift comes a 
responsibility. Renewing the Older Americans Act is responsible action 
that provides security for the next century and will foster longer, 
healthier, and more productive lives for all Americans.

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