[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 128 (Tuesday, August 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E802-E803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION THAT WOULD AMEND THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                  HON. GREGORIO KILILI CAMACHO SABLAN

                    of the northern mariana islands

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 6, 2024

  Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation that 
would improve senior work-based training programs in my district, the 
Northern Marianas Islands. Specifically, my bill would address the 
ongoing disparity impacting my constituents by amending the Older 
Americans Act (OAA) to increase and equally distribute funding for the 
Community Service Employment for Older Americans program amongst the 
Marianas, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  The OAA supports a wide range of social services and programs for 
older individuals defined as aged 60 years or older. Under Title V 
(Community Service Employment for Older Americans) of the Act, states 
and territories receive funding to operate a community service and 
work-based job training program for low-income, unemployed seniors.

[[Page E803]]

  Currently, of the funds appropriated, the law reserves 0.75 percent 
for the Marianas, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 
Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands each receive 30 
percent of the funds reserved. The Marianas receives only 10 percent of 
the funds. Despite having the same population and median household 
income levels as American Samoa, my district only receives one-third of 
the funds other territories receive. This unequal distribution was 
enacted prior to the Marianas having representation in Congress.
  My bill would not only address this disparity, but also provide 
additional funding for the four territories. The legislation would 
increase the territorial reservation to 1 percent and equally divide 
that reservation amongst our islands.
  An equitable distribution of funds enables the Marianas Office on 
Aging to expand their current programs. Currently, the Office on Aging 
provides 31 jobs for our seniors. Approval of this legislation will 
increase job opportunities and help alleviate the ongoing issue of 
poverty in the Marianas.
  I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation and give older 
Americans from all the territories the help needed to improve their 
quality of life.

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