THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
(New York, New York)
_______________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 25,
2000
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I applaud the House of Representatives for today?s overwhelming
bipartisan vote to reauthorize the Older Americans Act (H.R. 782). Our
nation?s older Americans have been waiting for more than five years for
Congress to approve this critical legislation. Now that the House has
acted, it is imperative that the Senate pass this important legislation
before it adjourns.
The Older Americans Act is the cornerstone of our nation?s commitment
to senior citizens. Seniors all across the country rely on vital OAA
in-home and community-based services, including home delivered meals,
nursing home ombudsmen, and employment and transportation services that are
essential to preserve their dignity and independence.
I am also pleased that the House bill includes the new National Family
Caregiver Support Program, proposed by this Administration to help hundreds
of thousands of family members who are struggling to care for their older
or disabled relatives. The Senate must do its part to pass this
legislation without further delay.
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