The U.S. House Education and Labor Committee on Sept. 18 passed a far-reaching bipartisan bill offered by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) that would improve support and care for older Americans.
Rep. Stefanik on Sept. 16 introduced the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019, H.R. 4334, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 and authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2020 through 2024, among numerous other provisions incorporated from several related bills.
“The North Country is home to one of the largest constituencies of older Americans, who deserve dignity and independence in their elder years,” Rep. Stefanik said. “I was proud to lead the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, which will directly and tangibly benefit the seniors in my district.”
Specifically, H.R. 4334 includes language from three pieces of legislation introduced this Congress by Rep. Stefanik: the Supporting Family Caregivers Act of 2019, H.R. 3782; the Younger Onset Alzheimer’s Act, H.R. 1903; and the Trauma-Informed Modernization of Eldercare (TIME) for Holocaust Survivors Act, H.R. 4077.
“I’m grateful that critical provisions from three pieces of my legislation were included: to enhance individualization in caregiving, give those diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s receive equal recognition under the law, and ensure our country’s Holocaust survivors are given specialized care for their unique needs due to their unconscionable suffering from the horror they faced,” said Rep. Stefanik.
The larger committee-approved bill, H.R. 4334, would strengthen protections for older individuals, meet the needs of older Native Americans, empower the “aging network” of care for older people, and ensure collaboration that promotes their independence, according to the bill’s text.
H.R. 4334 now heads to the full U.S. House of Representatives for action.