WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed bipartisan legislation, cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., to reauthorize and strengthen critical programs under the Older Americans Act.

Since 1965, the Older Americans Act has supported and improved the lives of seniors – particularly low-income seniors – through programs that improve transportation options, support caregivers, offer employment and community service opportunities, prevent abuse and neglect, and support nutrition, such as Meals on Wheels. This critical law was last reauthorized in 2016 and expired after September 2019. The bill that passed the Senate yesterday would reauthorize the Older Americans Act for five years and now goes to the House for consideration.

“This bipartisan bill will help provide increased funding for vital programs such as Meals on Wheels that support older Americans and help them remain in their communities,” Hassan said. “I am also glad that this bill provides additional supports to help address challenges that grandparents raising grandchildren face, which is an issue I hear about across our state, particularly as a result of the substance use disorder crisis. I urge the House of Representatives to pass this bipartisan bill swiftly so that we can get it to the president’s desk.”

“The Supporting Older Americans Act has enriched the lives of millions of seniors, helping them access the support they need to age with dignity and remain active participants in our communities,” Shaheen said.

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