Gillibrand Applauds Senate Passage Of The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act

Gillibrand Applauds Senate Passage Of The Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act

Jul 15, 2026

The Older Americans Act (OAA) has provided vital nutrition, social, and health services to millions of seniors since its passage in 1965

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the top Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, released the following statement following unanimous Senate passage of the Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act, which she reintroduced in 2025:

"The OAA has been a lifeline for American seniors since its passage over half a century ago, and I am proud to have successfully led the charge for its reauthorization in the Senate. This lifesaving legislation will help our nation's older adults age with dignity by supporting programs that provide nutrition assistance, meal deliveries, transportation services, caregiver support, long-term care, and more. We owe it to seniors to strengthen and continue funding these programs, and I am proud to see this legislation pass the Senate with unanimous support. The House must take up and pass this legislation immediately."

The OAA Reauthorization Act renews funding for the OAA and strengthens services for American seniors. The OAA has provided vital nutrition, social, and health services to millions of seniors since its passage in 1965. Last reauthorized in 2020, the OAA expired in the 118th Congress.

Specifically, this year's OAA Reauthorization Act reauthorizes the following programs through fiscal year 2030:

• the national eldercare locator service;
• regional aging and disability resource centers;
• grants to support counseling and assistance on pensions and other retirement benefits;
• grants to support home-delivered nutrition services like Meals on Wheels;
• programs to facilitate the delivery of supportive services to tribal organizations; and
• programs to prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The bill also modifies existing programs for older individuals to promote innovation and flexibility, strengthen program integrity, and better support family caregivers and direct care workers.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

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