On July 14, the Senate voted unanimously to reauthorize the Older Americans Act, a bipartisan effort led by Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), with 15 bipartisan co-sponsors including then-Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), now Homeland Security Secretary. The bill funds critical programs like Meals on Wheels, senior centers, and caregiver support.
A 2025 poll by the John A. Hartford Foundation found 84% of Americans support the Older Americans Act, reflecting its broad appeal. Yet the House has shown little urgency, despite the law operating in every congressional district. Advocates are pressing Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) and Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-Va.) to follow the Senate's lead.
The Senate action comes weeks after a landmark bipartisan housing bill, the 21st Century ROAD to House Act, passed both chambers. Now, supporters hope the Older Americans Act can become the second major bipartisan win this year. As one advocate noted, It takes two to tango.
The law, now 61 years old, provides a strong return on investment: every federal dollar generates $4 in non-federal support. Core home and community-based services cost under $2,000 per year per person, compared to nearly $120,000 for Medicaid-covered nursing home care. This saves Medicare and Medicaid billions by keeping seniors independent.
With one in three Meals on Wheels providers maintaining waitlists, seniors often wait months or years for meals. The 60-plus population grew 24% between 2015 and 2025, but inflation-adjusted funding for the Older Americans Act dropped 0.5%, according to Mon Ami. Additional funding is needed across all programs.
The act also addresses isolation and loneliness through senior centers, combats elder financial abuse via Adult Protective Services, and funds the only federal job program for low-income older adults and the only federal program directly helping family caregivers. As concerns about isolation grow, the law's role is increasingly vital.
House members are urged to visit local aging network sites during the August recess, talk to seniors, and return in September ready to vote yes. Older adults remain the most dependable voters, and their eyes are on this bill.
Bob Blancato, executive director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, joined by Sandy Markwood of USAging, Ellie Hollander of Meals on Wheels America, and Ramsey Alwin of the National Council on Aging, called on Congress to finish the job. We hope the House doesn't leave seniors waiting yet again,
Blancato said.
As Americans grow increasingly concerned about isolation and loneliness, the Older Americans Act offers a proven solution. For more on how political divisions affect public safety, see this Gallup poll on politics as a top safety threat. Meanwhile, international tensions also demand attention, as highlighted in a poll showing 46% of Americans expect the Iran conflict to last another year.
