[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 43 (Monday, October 30, 2000)]
[Page 2635]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act

October 26, 2000

    Older Americans all across the country have reason to cheer today. 
After more than 5 years of congressional inaction, the Senate voted to 
approve legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act. I look 
forward to signing this measure of vital importance to our Nation's 
older Americans.
    The Older Americans Act ensures that seniors in every State have 
access to meals, nursing home ombudsmen, legal assistance, elder abuse 
prevention, employment and transportation services that are essential to 
their dignity and independence. Enactment of the Older Americans Act 
Amendments of 2000 will strengthen and improve these services.
    I am especially pleased that the final legislation includes the 
National Family Caregiver Support Program--a key administration priority 
designed to provide respite care and other supportive services to help 
hundreds of thousands of families who are struggling to care for their 
older loved ones who are ill or disabled.
    I applaud the bipartisan leadership in the U.S. Senate for its 
outstanding efforts to approve the Older Americans Act Amendments of 
2000. Finally, and most important, I want to pay special tribute to the 
aging community for its tireless commitment to the needs of older 
Americans.