Congress must get the Older Americans Act reauthorization across the finish line

On July 14 the Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Older Americans Act reauthorization. It is a national program best known for its nutrition program (meals on wheels), senior centers and caregiver support. A 2025 poll by the John A. Hartford Foundation showed that 84 percent of Americans support the Older Americans Act.

This bill was co-authored by Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and joined by 15 bipartisan co-sponsors including then-Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), now President Trump’s Homeland Security secretary.

This Senate action comes just weeks after the House of Representatives and Senate produced a landmark bipartisan housing bill, the 21st Century ROAD to House Act. Can the Older Americans Act make it two in a row?

The Senate action is not only a victory for older adults and persons with disabilities, but also for the idea that bipartisanship can still produce results. However, it takes two to tango. The House must also reauthorize the Older Americans Act. For more than two years, the House has shown scant interest in this bill, despite Older Americans Act services operating in every House district. It is time for House members to do right by their older adult constituents and for Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott........

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