Statement from Martha A. Roherty, ADvancing States Executive Director, regarding the passage of S.192, the Older Americans Act Reauthorization, in the United States Senate

Today, the Senate passed S.192, the Older Americans Act reauthorization under unanimous consent rules.  The Senate originally passed S.192 in July of 2015, and the House passed an amended version of the bill last month.  With today’s action, the reauthorization can now go to President Obama for his signature. 

ADvancing States and our membership are very grateful to all of the Members of Congress and their staff who have worked tirelessly to develop compromise language and successfully steward the reauthorization through the House and Senate.  We particularly want to thank the staff of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee and the House Education and Workforce committee for their efforts to secure passage.

The legislation includes many important provisions which seek to modernize the OAA to reflect the current and future realities of the Aging Network. ADvancing States is very supportive of the language that amends the Act to promote state flexibility, person-centeredness, and cultural and linguistic competence in the administration and delivery of OAA services. Additionally, ADvancing States supports the provisions in the bill to increase elder justice efforts across the country.  We are also supportive of the increased funding authorizations for crucial OAA services.

The last OAA reauthorization occurred in 2006 and expired in 2011.