THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release October 26,
2000
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
Older Americans all across the country have reason to cheer today.
After more than five years of Congressional inaction, the Senate voted to
approve legislation to reauthorize the Older Americans Act. I look forward
to signing this measure of vital importance to our nation?s older
Americans.
The Older Americans Act ensures that seniors in every state have
access to meals, nursing home ombudsmen, legal assistance, elder abuse
prevention, employment and transportation services that are essential to
their dignity and independence. Enactment of the Older Americans Act
Amendments of 2000 will strengthen and improve these services.
I am especially pleased that the final legislation includes the
National Family Caregiver Support Program -- a key Administration priority
designed to provide respite care and other supportive services to help
hundreds of thousands of families who are struggling to care for their
older loved ones who are ill or disabled.
I applaud the bipartisan leadership in the U.S. Senate for its
outstanding efforts to approve the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000.
Finally, and most important, I want to pay special tribute to the aging
community for its tireless commitment to the needs of older Americans.
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