THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Vice President ___________________________________________________________________________ _____ For Immediate Release Contact: James E. Kennedy Friday, October 27, 2000 (202) 456-7035 STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT ON THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT One of the most cherished values in America is respect for our parents and our country's older citizens. The establishment of Social Security was itself an expression of that value, and it represented a commitment to ensure that no American will find him- or herself in grinding poverty in their later years. So, too, was the creation of Medicare, which assured our older neighbors that they would have some help from all of us in protecting their health. Passage of the Older Americans Act continued that honorable tradition. But for the past five years, Congress failed to reauthorize the landmark legislation. Finally, in the last days of this session, Congress has acted. This vote is long overdue, but I welcome the fact that we will be able to continue our commitment to older Americans. States will be able to continue providing meals, legal assistance, employment and transportation services, ombudsmen for nursing homes and protection against abuse for our older neighbors in communities all across the country. I am especially pleased that the legislation approved by Congress this week includes the National Family Caregiver Support Program. The program, a significant Administration priority, helps hardworking families to care for parents, grandparents and other older relatives who suffer from illness or disability. Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, made more powerful with the National Family Caregiver Program, represents a victory for older citizens and for all Americans. I appreciate those in the aging community who worked hard for this result. By virtue of their efforts, an important American value has been sustained. # # #
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