[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 135 (Wednesday, October 25, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1921]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING OUR SENIORS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J.C. WATTS, JR.

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 25, 2000

  Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, we all realize that maintaining 
good health is imperative to enjoying a long, fulfilling life. And 
reauthorizing the Older Americans Act is an excellent way for us to 
provide seniors with the opportunity to live life to its fullest.
  The 1965 Older Americans Act created a series of federal programs 
specifically designed to meet the service needs of seniors. Although 
older persons may receive services under other federal programs, the 
Older Americans Act is the major vehicle for organizing and delivering 
supportive and nutrition services to senior citizens.
  Thousands of elderly and disabled Americans rely on quality services 
such as those provided by the Administration on Aging, and programs 
like nutrition services, family care giver, elder abuse prevention, 
long term care, senior community service employment and Native American 
programs for the elderly.
  We, in Congress, must make sure that seniors receive these much 
needed services and benefits in the most efficient manner possible. 
Along with state and local agencies, including national associations 
like Green Thumb, Congress must work diligently to ensure that older 
Americans can look forward to long, productive lives within their own 
communities and around the nation.
  Seniors serve as grandparents who provide care for numerous children, 
strengthen families, tutor students, operate computers, teach crafts, 
work as librarians, and provide many other important community 
services. Through these efforts, and countless others, senior citizens 
have helped to make America the great country it is today and will 
continue to make significant contributions for years to come. 
Therefore, I challenge all Americans, young and old, to work with me on 
issues critical to our seniors.

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