Westbank Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, delivered remarks during the Committee vote on the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act, the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024, and the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024.

"Today, the Committee considers reauthorizing multiple programs that provide health and social services to Americans," Cassidy stated. "This includes reauthorizing the Older Americans Act (OAA), legislation empowering American seniors to live healthy and independent lives in the settings they choose."

First enacted in 1965, OAA provides funding to support essential services to aging Americans through programs like nutrition assistance, caregiver support, and elder abuse prevention. "Congress has historically reauthorized OAA in a bipartisan manner," Cassidy noted. "It is the Committee’s responsibility to examine and evaluate the efficacy of existing programs... I am proud we are fulfilling this responsibility today."

Cassidy thanked Chair Sanders and Senators Collins, Braun, Mullin, Casey, Kaine, and Markey for their work on improving OAA responsibly and in a bipartisan manner. He also acknowledged contributions from Senators Murkowski, Marshall, Romney, Budd, and Rubio.

"Our bill reauthorizes crucial nutrition programs providing meals to seniors and disease prevention and health promotion programs," he said. "Additionally... improving program integrity and transparency... supporting state and local capabilities... encouraging innovation within OAA programs."

The Committee also considered the Autism CARES Act of 2024 led by Senators Collins and Lujan. This legislation aims to enhance research and public health programs addressing autism and other developmental disabilities while supporting provider training.

Furthermore, legislation to reauthorize traumatic brain injury (TBI) programs was reviewed. Led by Senators Mullin and Casey, this bill focuses on identifying gaps in TBI data and highlighting high-risk populations while reauthorizing grants for TBI rehabilitation.

"I want to specifically highlight Senator Mullin for his dedication... on this issue so close to him," Cassidy added.

Cassidy concluded by thanking Chair Sanders for organizing the markup session and expressing gratitude towards his colleagues for their collaboration.