[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 30, 1992]
[Pages 1731-1732]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Older Americans Act Amendments of 1992
September 30, 1992

    Today I am signing into law H.R. 2967, the ``Older Americans Act 
Amendments of 1992.'' The bill extends and amends important programs 
under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA) and the Native American 
Programs Act of 1974 (NAPA), including provisions for a White House 
Conference on Aging.
    H.R. 2967 strengthens provisions of the OAA and supports expanded 
opportunities and services for our Nation's 42 million older Americans.
    The OAA has enabled millions of older Americans to live with 
independence and dignity in their own homes and communities. Programs 
sponsored under the OAA have had many positive results. They have 
provided older persons with a range of supportive in-home and community 
services; led to the development of gerontological curricula at our 
Nation's universities and colleges; and tested innovative ways of better 
meeting the needs of older persons. The OAA also provides opportunities 
for part-time employment for low-income persons aged 55 or older.
    H.R. 2967 promises to further these goals. It provides for the 
increased participation of minority elders in OAA programs and sets up 
intergenerational services at meal sites in public schools that will 
benefit both older Americans and at-risk children. It also offers 
supportive services to the thousands of family caregivers who make it 
possible for the frail elderly to remain in their own homes and 
communities.
    This bill supports the goal of the OAA to end the tragedy of elder 
abuse. It establishes a new Elder Rights Title of the OAA to consolidate 
long-term care ombudsman services, legal assistance, and outreach and 
counseling for elderly who are institutionalized or at risk of losing 
their independence.
    H.R. 2967 also extends the programs under NAPA. These programs have 
had an important role for nearly two decades in promoting the social and 
economic self-sufficiency of Native Americans through grants to the 
governing bodies of Indian tribes and other Native American groups.
    The bill, however, does contain provisions that raise constitutional 
concerns regarding the separation of powers. One provision would 
establish a policy committee for the White House Conference on Aging 
that is not clearly legislative or executive. I must therefore interpret 
the policy committee's role as entirely advisory. H.R. 2967 also 
requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit 
recommendations and final guidelines to improve 
nutrition services to the Speaker of the 
House and the President pro tempore 
of the Senate. As the head of the 
executive branch, I will inter-

[[Page 1732]]

pret this provision so as to maintain my constitutional authority to 
supervise my subordinates as I deem appropriate.
    H.R. 2967 expands legislation to aid older Americans and their 
families. It is one way of demonstrating our commitment and thanks to 
those older people who have done so much to make America the great 
Nation that it is today.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
September 30, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 2967, approved September 30, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-375. This statement was 
                        released by the Office of the Press Secretary on 
                        October 1.