Floor SpeechUrgent2026-07-14

OLDER AMERICANS ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025

HealthcareTaxesEnvironmentInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-07-14, Senator John Boozman (R-AR) delivered a floor speech titled "OLDER AMERICANS ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025" in the Senate.

Full Text

OLDER AMERICANS ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4077-S4087] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] OLDER AMERICANS ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from further consideration of S. 2120 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The bill clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 2120) to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and for other purposes. There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Mr. BOOZMAN. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 2120) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows: S. 2120 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Sec. 3. References. Sec. 4. Definitions. TITLE I--STRENGTHENING THE AGING NETWORK TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OLDER INDIVIDUALS Sec. 101. Declaration of objectives. Sec. 102. Addressing mental health and substance use disorders and cognitive impairments of older individuals. Sec. 103. List of national resource centers. Sec. 104. Awareness of relevant Federal programs. Sec. 105. Evaluations and surveys. Sec. 106. Contracting. Sec. 107. Guidance on reallocation of funding between area agencies on aging. Sec. 108. Right to first refusal. Sec. 109. Area agency on aging capabilities. Sec. 110. Supporting older individuals with disabilities through improved coordination. Sec. 111. Business acumen, fiscal training, and technical assistance. Sec. 112. Enhancing access to assistive technology. Sec. 113. White House Conference on Aging. Sec. 114. Technical amendments. TITLE II--IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES AND ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS Sec. 201. Disease prevention and health promotion services. Sec. 202. Improving health outcomes. Sec. 203. Technical assistance on evidence-based programs. Sec. 204. Enhancing multipurpose senior centers. Sec. 205. Addressing home modifications. Sec. 206. National resource center for engaging older adults. Sec. 207. Multigenerational and civic engagement activities. Sec. 208. Report relating to health outcomes for older individuals living with or near family members. Sec. 209. Improving broadband coordination and reducing social isolation. TITLE III--ENHANCING INNOVATION AND FLEXIBILITY IN NUTRITION SERVICES Sec. 301. Medically tailored meals. Sec. 302. Grab-and-go meals. Sec. 303. GAO study on Nutrition Services Incentive Program. Sec. 304. Innovations in nutrition programs and services. TITLE IV--SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS Sec. 401. Improving the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Sec. 402. Emphasizing respite care. Sec. 403. Clarifying supportive services. Sec. 404. Direct care workforce resource center. Sec. 405. Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act. Sec. 406. RAISE Family Caregivers Act. TITLE V--COMMUNITY SERVICE SENIOR OPPORTUNITIES ACT Sec. 501. Improving the Community Service Employment Program. [[Page S4078]] Sec. 502. GAO report on alignment within the Community Service Employment Program. TITLE VI--IMPROVING SERVICES FOR NATIVE ELDERS Sec. 601. Older Americans Tribal Advisory Committee. Sec. 602. Supportive services; set aside. Sec. 603. GAO report on Tribal services. Sec. 604. Technical amendments. TITLE VII--STRENGTHENING THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAMS AND ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION Sec. 701. Director of the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. Sec. 702. Legal assistance training resources relating to elder abuse prevention. Sec. 703. Improving training of volunteers under the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Sec. 704. Reporting on State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. Sec. 705. Study on State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. TITLE VIII--AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS Sec. 801. Administration on Aging. Sec. 802. Grants for State and community programs on aging. Sec. 803. Activities for health, independence, and longevity. Sec. 804. Community Service Senior Opportunities Act. Sec. 805. Grants for Native Americans. Sec. 806. Allotments for elder rights protection activities. SEC. 3. REFERENCES. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to that section or other provision of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.). SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. In this Act, the terms ``area agency on aging'', ``Assistant Secretary'', ``older individual'', and ``Secretary'' have the meanings given such terms in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002). TITLE I--STRENGTHENING THE AGING NETWORK TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OLDER INDIVIDUALS SEC. 101. DECLARATION OF OBJECTIVES. Section 101 (42 U.S.C. 3001) is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``of the following objectives:'' and inserting ``of the objectives of--''; (2) in each of paragraphs (1) through (10), by amending the first word so that it begins with a lowercase letter; (3) in each of paragraphs (1) through (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; (4) in each of paragraphs (9) and (10), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; (5) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``to improve health outcomes and reduce health care expenditures'' after ``economic status''; (6) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (10) as subparagraphs (A) through (J), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; (7) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking ``our democratic society, the older people'' and inserting the following: ``our democratic society-- ``(1) the older people''; and (8) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) the families of older individuals and community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, also play a vital role in supporting and honoring older individuals and their happiness, dignity, and independence.''. SEC. 102. ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS OF OLDER INDIVIDUALS. Section 201(f) (42 U.S.C. 3011(f)) is amended to read as follows: ``(f)(1) The Assistant Secretary may designate an officer or employee who shall be responsible for the administration of services for mental health and substance use disorders and cognitive impairments authorized under this Act and serve as an effective and visible advocate for the related needs of older individuals within the Department of Health and Human Services, including by ensuring that relevant information disseminated and research conducted or supported by the Department takes into consideration such services. ``(2) It shall be the duty of the Assistant Secretary, acting through the individual designated under paragraph (1), and in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to develop objectives, priorities, and a long-term plan for supporting State and local efforts under this Act involving education about, and prevention, detection, and treatment of, mental health and substance use disorders and cognitive impairments, including age-related dementia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease and related neurological disorders with neurological and organic brain dysfunction. ``(3) Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, the Assistant Secretary shall report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate, and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives on the activities of the officer or employee designated under paragraph (1) in carrying out the requirements under this subsection, including any activities to identify and reduce duplication and gaps across the Department in such information disseminated and research conducted or supported by the Department.''. SEC. 103. LIST OF NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS. Section 202 (42 U.S.C. 3012) is amended-- (1) in subsection (d)(4), by striking ``Resource Center on Elder Abuse'' and inserting ``Center''; and (2) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following: ``(h)(1) The Assistant Secretary shall publish online in a publicly accessible format, on an annual basis, a list of national resource centers and demonstration projects authorized under, or administratively established through funds provided under, this Act. ``(2) The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that the list published pursuant to paragraph (1)-- ``(A) includes-- ``(i) a description of each such center and demonstration project, including the projected goals and activities of each such center and demonstration project; ``(ii) a citation to the statutory authorization of each such center and demonstration project, or a citation to the statutory authority that the Assistant Secretary relies upon to administratively establish each such center and demonstration project; ``(iii) the award amount for each such center and demonstra

Referenced legislation: S2120, S2120

View original source →

OLDER AMERICANS ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S4077-S4087] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] OLDER AMERICANS ACT REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged from further consideration of S. 2120 and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The bill clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 2120) to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and for other purposes. There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Mr. BOOZMAN. I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The bill (S. 2120) was ordered to be engrossed for a third reading, was read the third time, and passed, as follows: S. 2120 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025''. SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS. The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Sec. 3. References. Sec. 4. Definitions. TITLE I--STRENGTHENING THE AGING NETWORK TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OLDER INDIVIDUALS Sec. 101. Declaration of objectives. Sec. 102. Addressing mental health and substance use disorders and cognitive impairments of older individuals. Sec. 103. List of national resource centers. Sec. 104. Awareness of relevant Federal programs. Sec. 105. Evaluations and surveys. Sec. 106. Contracting. Sec. 107. Guidance on reallocation of funding between area agencies on aging. Sec. 108. Right to first refusal. Sec. 109. Area agency on aging capabilities. Sec. 110. Supporting older individuals with disabilities through improved coordination. Sec. 111. Business acumen, fiscal training, and technical assistance. Sec. 112. Enhancing access to assistive technology. Sec. 113. White House Conference on Aging. Sec. 114. Technical amendments. TITLE II--IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES AND ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS Sec. 201. Disease prevention and health promotion services. Sec. 202. Improving health outcomes. Sec. 203. Technical assistance on evidence-based programs. Sec. 204. Enhancing multipurpose senior centers. Sec. 205. Addressing home modifications. Sec. 206. National resource center for engaging older adults. Sec. 207. Multigenerational and civic engagement activities. Sec. 208. Report relating to health outcomes for older individuals living with or near family members. Sec. 209. Improving broadband coordination and reducing social isolation. TITLE III--ENHANCING INNOVATION AND FLEXIBILITY IN NUTRITION SERVICES Sec. 301. Medically tailored meals. Sec. 302. Grab-and-go meals. Sec. 303. GAO study on Nutrition Services Incentive Program. Sec. 304. Innovations in nutrition programs and services. TITLE IV--SUPPORTING FAMILY CAREGIVERS Sec. 401. Improving the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Sec. 402. Emphasizing respite care. Sec. 403. Clarifying supportive services. Sec. 404. Direct care workforce resource center. Sec. 405. Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act. Sec. 406. RAISE Family Caregivers Act. TITLE V--COMMUNITY SERVICE SENIOR OPPORTUNITIES ACT Sec. 501. Improving the Community Service Employment Program. [[Page S4078]] Sec. 502. GAO report on alignment within the Community Service Employment Program. TITLE VI--IMPROVING SERVICES FOR NATIVE ELDERS Sec. 601. Older Americans Tribal Advisory Committee. Sec. 602. Supportive services; set aside. Sec. 603. GAO report on Tribal services. Sec. 604. Technical amendments. TITLE VII--STRENGTHENING THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAMS AND ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION Sec. 701. Director of the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. Sec. 702. Legal assistance training resources relating to elder abuse prevention. Sec. 703. Improving training of volunteers under the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Sec. 704. Reporting on State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. Sec. 705. Study on State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs. TITLE VIII--AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS Sec. 801. Administration on Aging. Sec. 802. Grants for State and community programs on aging. Sec. 803. Activities for health, independence, and longevity. Sec. 804. Community Service Senior Opportunities Act. Sec. 805. Grants for Native Americans. Sec. 806. Allotments for elder rights protection activities. SEC. 3. REFERENCES. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, wherever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to be made to that section or other provision of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3001 et seq.). SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS. In this Act, the terms ``area agency on aging'', ``Assistant Secretary'', ``older individual'', and ``Secretary'' have the meanings given such terms in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002). TITLE I--STRENGTHENING THE AGING NETWORK TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OLDER INDIVIDUALS SEC. 101. DECLARATION OF OBJECTIVES. Section 101 (42 U.S.C. 3001) is amended-- (1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``of the following objectives:'' and inserting ``of the objectives of--''; (2) in each of paragraphs (1) through (10), by amending the first word so that it begins with a lowercase letter; (3) in each of paragraphs (1) through (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; (4) in each of paragraphs (9) and (10), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; (5) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``to improve health outcomes and reduce health care expenditures'' after ``economic status''; (6) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (10) as subparagraphs (A) through (J), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; (7) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (as so redesignated), by striking ``our democratic society, the older people'' and inserting the following: ``our democratic society-- ``(1) the older people''; and (8) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) the families of older individuals and community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, also play a vital role in supporting and honoring older individuals and their happiness, dignity, and independence.''. SEC. 102. ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS OF OLDER INDIVIDUALS. Section 201(f) (42 U.S.C. 3011(f)) is amended to read as follows: ``(f)(1) The Assistant Secretary may designate an officer or employee who shall be responsible for the administration of services for mental health and substance use disorders and cognitive impairments authorized under this Act and serve as an effective and visible advocate for the related needs of older individuals within the Department of Health and Human Services, including by ensuring that relevant information disseminated and research conducted or supported by the Department takes into consideration such services. ``(2) It shall be the duty of the Assistant Secretary, acting through the individual designated under paragraph (1), and in consultation with the heads of relevant agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, to develop objectives, priorities, and a long-term plan for supporting State and local efforts under this Act involving education about, and prevention, detection, and treatment of, mental health and substance use disorders and cognitive impairments, including age-related dementia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease and related neurological disorders with neurological and organic brain dysfunction. ``(3) Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2025, the Assistant Secretary shall report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate, and the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives on the activities of the officer or employee designated under paragraph (1) in carrying out the requirements under this subsection, including any activities to identify and reduce duplication and gaps across the Department in such information disseminated and research conducted or supported by the Department.''. SEC. 103. LIST OF NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS. Section 202 (42 U.S.C. 3012) is amended-- (1) in subsection (d)(4), by striking ``Resource Center on Elder Abuse'' and inserting ``Center''; and (2) by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following: ``(h)(1) The Assistant Secretary shall publish online in a publicly accessible format, on an annual basis, a list of national resource centers and demonstration projects authorized under, or administratively established through funds provided under, this Act. ``(2) The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that the list published pursuant to paragraph (1)-- ``(A) includes-- ``(i) a description of each such center and demonstration project, including the projected goals and activities of each such center and demonstration project; ``(ii) a citation to the statutory authorization of each such center and demonstration project, or a citation to the statutory authority that the Assistant Secretary relies upon to administratively establish each such center and demonstration project; ``(iii) the award amount for each such center and demonstra Referenced legislation: S2120, S2120