U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) lauded a bipartisan bill reauthorizing the Older Americans Act on Monday as a step toward making community services for the elderly stronger and more flexible.
Curbelo, a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, delivered his comments after the House of Representatives approved the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act, S. 192.
“For years, the Older Americans Act has been a vital resource for America’s seniors, and this bill guarantees it will remain one for years to come,” Curbelo said. “Like the original law, this bill provides state and local leaders the flexibility they need to serve the unique needs of seniors in their communities. It also makes a number of commonsense changes that will help better protect seniors from abuse and neglect, improve their health and wellbeing, and live out their years as actively and independently as possible.”
Under the bill, protections for vulnerable seniors would be strengthened, programs for the elderly would be streamlined, evidence-based programs would be promoted, nutrition services would be improved and senior services would be aligned with the workforce development system.
“Helping our country’s seniors enjoy their independence and stay healthy and active as they age is an important commitment we all share,” U.S. Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the chairman of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, said. “This bill ensures we’re not only honoring that commitment, but that we’re honoring it well. It makes improvements that will strengthen current protections and streamline services to better support the changing senior population.”