Dignity in Aging Act of 2019

Floor Speech

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Ms. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4334, the Dignity in Aging Act of 2019. This is a strong bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Older Americans Act, which provides vital services and support to seniors and their families in our community.

Reauthorization has been an important local priority in my community in northern Illinois.

During the August work period, I held a roundtable on the issue at the Fox Valley Older Adult Services with local stakeholders. Their priorities for reauthorization included increased funding, transportation, legal services, and support for seniors who age in place, and their caregivers.

That is why I am so proud that the bill that we are discussing today, among other improvements: Increases overall transportation program funding by 35 percent; improves access to that funding; increases availability and accessibility of meals for seniors; and strengthens support for family caregivers, including those caring for individuals with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease.

I am so proud that this bill includes my bipartisan amendment to ensure that programs that serve seniors are ready to respond to outbreaks or other public health emergencies.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the Dignity in Aging Act so that our seniors have the services and support they need.

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