Proclamation 9871-Older Americans Month, 2019
Issued 2019-04-30 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Trump issued this proclamation designating May 2019 as Older Americans Month. The proclamation is a ceremonial declaration that honors older Americans and recognizes their contributions to families, workplaces, and communities. It calls upon all Americans to honor older citizens, acknowledge their contributions, care for those in need, and reaffirm the country's commitment to older Americans.
The proclamation describes several policy efforts the administration says it is working on related to seniors. These include Department of Justice actions to counter fraud against older Americans and efforts to lower prescription drug prices. The proclamation states that prescription drug prices declined in 2018 for the first time in nearly half a century and mentions the American Patients First blueprint for drug pricing reform. It also references legislation signed into law to help provide patients with more information to save on prescription drugs and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
This type of proclamation is purely ceremonial and does not create new laws, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations. Presidential proclamations designating observance months have been issued since George Washington and are a traditional executive function that requires no congressional approval. The proclamation expresses the President's sentiment on behalf of the nation to draw public awareness to older Americans and their role in American society.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9871-Older Americans Month, 2019" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to older americans. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9871—Older Americans Month, 2019 April 30, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Older Americans are treasured members of our communities. They have poured their lives into our country in ways seen and unseen—often at great personal sacrifice. To current generations and to those of the future, they have given a country whose greatness is unparalleled and which is only growing stronger. During Older Americans Month, we honor these Americans, we remember their countless contributions, and we proudly renew our abiding commitment to their well-being. Older Americans enrich our lives in innumerable ways. Their diverse experiences and time-tested wisdom guide younger generations, connect them with our country's history, and empower them with the confidence to face the future. Older Americans devote themselves to their families. They lend their experience in the work place. They volunteer for religious and community organizations. In every context, they deepen our appreciation for country, they model selfless service to others, and they remain vibrant and contributing participants in the American experience. My Administration is working to improve quality of l