Westbank Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and Bernie Sanders have announced the Senate's unanimous approval of the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). The legislation aims to renew funding and enhance services for older citizens across the United States. The bill was supported by Senators Susan Collins, Bob Casey, Markwayne Mullin, Tim Kaine, and Ed Markey.

"We are very proud that the Senate came together – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – to expand and strengthen the Older Americans Act over the next five years," said Senators Cassidy and Sanders. "This legislation begins to address the urgent, unmet needs of millions of seniors in America, and what we must do as a society to reduce senior hunger and improve the health and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable people in our country."

The reauthorization will increase OAA funding from $2.3 billion this year to $2.76 billion in Fiscal Year 2025—a 20 percent rise compared to last year. The legislation also introduces improvements aimed at better supporting family caregivers and direct care workers while focusing on serving Tribal seniors, older workers, and those with disabilities.

First enacted in 1965, the OAA has been providing essential nutrition, social, economic, and health services to vulnerable seniors for nearly sixty years. It was last reauthorized in 2020.

Senators Cassidy and Sanders emphasized their commitment to working with colleagues in the House to ensure that this critical piece of legislation is signed into law within this year.