On March 21, the House of Representatives passed one of JUF’s longstanding federal advocacy priorities, the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA). An earlier version of the bill passed the Senate in July 2015, and both versions of the legislation include a provision that would expand supportive services for Holocaust survivors.

This legislation is now pending a final vote in the Senate, which could happen as early as next week.

The news comes on the heels of JUF’s Government Affairs Committee’s Washington D.C. Agency Advocacy Mission , during which nearly 20 agency professionals and community leaders met with members of the Illinois delegation and advocated for this legislation.

“Our agency professionals’ and community leaders’ advocacy for vital federal dollars proved to be timely and valuable,” said David Golder, chair of the Government Affairs Committee. “We are very optimistic that we will see final passage this year.”

Mark Weiner, CEO of CJE SeniorLife, said, “We are grateful for the House of Representative’s work on advancing this important piece of legislation. OAA funds are essential for us as we continue to provide services, such as adult day care, congregate and home-delivered meals, elder abuse prevention, family caregiver support, mental and behavioral health counseling and referrals, and transportation to vulnerable older adults living in our communities.”

JUF’s Washington, D.C. Office will continue to monitor this legislation as it moves back to the Senate for a final vote.

Members of the Illinois delegation have long supported this program, including Rep. Jan Schakowsky .