[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1905]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 OLDER AMERICANS ACT AMENDMENTS OF 2000

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                               speech of

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 24, 2000

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
782, the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000. I am delighted that we 
are at long last reauthorizing this very popular program that has 
helped to improve the lives of America's seniors since it was first 
established in 1965, my first year in Congress.
  Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) is long overdue. 
Authorization of programs under OAA expired at the end of fiscal year 
1995. Nonetheless, Congress has continued to appropriate funds for OAA 
programs. These programs have earned broad bipartisan support.
  H.R. 782 contains several provisions that will strengthen the Older 
Americans Act, including establishment of the National Caregiver 
Program to aid families in caring for frail elders and for grandparents 
caring for grandchildren. This program, authorized at $125 million, 
provides grants to states for a multifaceted system of supportive 
services including information, assistance, counseling, and respite 
services.
  The bill also provides new demonstration programs on domestic 
violence, rural health, computer training, and transportation. H.R. 782 
authorizes as permanent two current demonstration programs--the 
Eldercare Locator Service and the Pension Rights and Counseling 
Program.
  These are in addition to the mainstays of the Older Americans Act: 
elderly nutrition programs that provide congregate and home-delivered 
meals to over 3 million older persons annually; the Senior Community 
Service Employment Program, which provides opportunities for part-time 
employment in community service activities for unemployed, low-income 
older persons; and elder abuse prevention and long-term care ombudsman 
programs.
  I am very pleased to be given an opportunity to reauthorize this 
vital legislation, which makes a tremendous difference in the lives of 
our senior citizens.




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