[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 132 (Monday, October 4, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H9245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT NEEDS MORE WORK

  (Mr. DeFAZIO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, actually H.R. 782, the reauthorization of 
the Older Americans Act which we have been awaiting for 4 years, had 
many other problems; and it is best that it was pulled. This is 
legislation that is vitally needed so we can better fund and prioritize 
programs for senior citizens.
  But the bill was going to take money from the Older American 
Employment programs, away from the efficient, the private nonprivate 
providers and dump it on State bureaucracies that have no track record 
and in fact where they do have a track record, one that is less 
effective and less efficient. It also was going to cut congregant meals 
for seniors under the theory that they should just stay home; it is 
cheaper to serve them there than to have them come to congregant meal 
sites, missing out on the vital socialization function and others 
things that go on there.
  It was a bad bill, and it is best that it was pulled. It needs more 
work before it comes to the floor of the House, and it should come 
under open rule so amendments can be offered. We have waited 4 years. 
It should not be under a closed procedure.

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