Congress reaguthorizes OAA

Congress has reauthorized the Older Americans Act.

Here is Mike Leavitt’s statement:

I commend the Congress for the successful passage of the16threauthorization of the Older Americans Act. President Bush wants allAmericans to have the opportunity to make choices about their dailylives and participate fully in community life.This Act does much to ensure that the future of our nation’s seniors will be onein which elders and their caregivers are able to enjoy a higher qualityof life, better health and access to critical supportive services.

Speakingon behalf of all Americans, I extend great appreciation for thecommitment by the Congress working in a bipartisan manner towardreauthorization of the Older Americans Act. I thank the Congress fortheir leadership and am sincerely pleased with this significant stepforward in modernizing the Older Americans Act for the 21st century.

Here is Josephina Carbonell’s statement:

I commend the Congress for the successful passage of the 16threauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). I thank them fortheir leadership and compassion in understanding the vital role thisAct plays in redirecting our long-term care system to help olderAmericans remain active and engaged in their communities – theoverwhelming preference of the American people.

TheOAA embodies our nation’s compassion toward ensuring the dignity andindependence of our older citizens by promoting older Americans’ fullparticipation in society, and supporting their overwhelming desire toremain living in their own homes and communities for as long aspossible.