[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9871 of April 30, 2019

Older Americans Month, 2019

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Older Americans are treasured members of our communities. They have
poured their lives into our country in ways seen and unseen--often at
great personal sacrifice. To current generations and to those of the
future, they have given a country whose greatness is unparalleled and
which is only growing stronger. During Older Americans Month, we honor
these Americans, we remember their countless contributions, and we
proudly renew our abiding commitment to their well-being.
Older Americans enrich our lives in innumerable ways. Their diverse
experiences and time-tested wisdom guide younger generations, connect
them with our country's history, and empower them with the confidence to
face the future. Older Americans devote themselves to their families.
They lend their experience in the work place. They volunteer for
religious and community organizations. In every context, they deepen our
appreciation for country, they model selfless service to others, and
they remain vibrant and contributing participants in the American
experience.
My Administration is working to improve quality of life for our Nation's
seniors. The Department of Justice is taking action to counter the
growing threat of fraud against older Americans. In addition, we are
working to lower the price of prescription drugs, which declined in 2018
for the first time in nearly half a century. We are building on that
progress by implementing my American Patients First blueprint, which
lays out strategies for drug pricing reform, including through improved
competition and better price negotiation. Many companies give European
countries a better deal on drug prices than they give to the United
States. This has to stop. We will make sure that our great seniors on
Medicare share in the discounts these companies have given to patients
in other countries. I have also signed into law legislation that will
help provide patients with more information to save on their
prescription drugs and reduce out-of-pocket costs. With each action my

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Administration takes, it will protect both Medicare and Social Security
for our seniors, who have paid into these programs for many decades and
have earned the benefits they provide.
More than ever before, older Americans are taking charge, striving for
wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for themselves and
others. This month, as we celebrate the central role that our elders
play in vitalizing our families, neighborhoods, businesses, and lives,
we also recommit to listening to their voices and meeting their needs.
They deserve our honor, our sincere gratitude, and our respect for all
that they have done to build and sustain our great Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2019 as Older
Americans Month. I call upon all Americans to honor our elders,
acknowledge their contributions, care for those in need, and reaffirm
our country's commitment to older Americans this month and throughout
the year.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
third.
DONALD J. TRUMP