WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress is moving to strengthen the safety net for millions of older Americans.
Earlier this month, the Senate unanimously passed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act, a bill that would extend funding for critical senior services through 2030.
Reauthorization of the bill would update and extend federal dollars for the next few years to support things like Meals on Wheels and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs).
“It is the foundation on which our nation’s home and community-based services system is built,” said Amy Gotwals, chief of public policy and external affairs at USAging. “It was the original model of the system added by Congress to law in 1965. Updated many times over the years.”
The Older Americans Act has been a lifeline to services for millions of older Americans for more than 60 years.
After reauthorization in 2020, the OAA expired in 2024. The programs are still funded, but Gotwals said the reauthorization act is imperative to solidify support and make important updates.
“It includes some important updates that reflect the fact that the provision of aging services has changed since the act was last updated in 2020,” Gotwals said. “We want to make sure we’re able to have the flexibility from the federal government to constantly innovate and find an even better way to meet these older adults’ needs.”
Lawmakers who support the legislation say it is an investment in local communities across the country.
“The OAA is incredibly cost effective by helping seniors avoid extended hospital stays and care in nursing homes, OAA programs save taxpayers billions of dollars every year,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee. “Every dollar invested in OAA services generates over $3 in community value.”
Gillibrand reintroduced the reauthorization act in 2025 and applauded the Senate’s unanimous passage of the legislation in mid-July. Gillibrand said the OAA carries an “astounding impact.”
“Every year, aid programs deliver over 250 million meals, provide more than 14 million rides, and offer 30 million hours of caregiver support and in-home assistance with daily tasks like bathing and dressing. In total, about one in six older adults across the country rely on OAA funded services every year,” Gillibrand said.
Now, Gillibrand and advocates are calling on House lawmakers to pass the legislation and send it to the president’s desk.
“Please don’t let this lapse into another Congress. We have a solution. Everyone’s in favor of it. It’s a matter of fitting it in and getting it done this year. This has always historically been noncontroversial, bipartisan legislation,” said Gotwals.
With the U.S. House on recess, the earliest the legislation could be considered is likely the end of August or early September.