Recognizing the value of the Older Americans Act of 1965 nutrition program in addressing hunger, malnutrition, and isolation, and improving the health and quality of life for millions of our Nations seniors each year.

Bill Number

H.Res. 1002

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Social Welfare

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-04: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1992-1993)

Last Updated

2026-04-03T19:57:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1002) aims to formally recognize the importance of the nutrition program under the Older Americans Act of 1965 (OAA). It highlights how the program combats hunger, malnutrition, and social isolation among seniors aged 60 and older, while enhancing their overall health and well-being.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses outlining the program's history and benefits, followed by four main directives in the "Resolved" section:

• Recognition of program impact: Acknowledges the role of local OAA nutrition programs in supporting millions of seniors nationwide by improving quality of life and addressing key challenges like hunger and isolation.
• Appreciation for awareness and funding efforts: Values the contributions of local programs and national organizations in raising awareness, securing non-federal funds, and recruiting volunteers.
• Highlighting volunteers' role: Praises volunteers as essential to the program, noting their work in meal delivery, socialization, and welfare checks for at-risk seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• Encouragement for congressional action: Urges Members of Congress to actively support local programs by participating in meal delivery or service activities and advocating for stable federal funding to meet rising costs and demand.

The program, established in 1972 via amendments to the OAA, provides congregate (group) and home-delivered meals, along with socialization and health services, to reduce food insecurity and promote preventive care.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. As a non-binding resolution, it does not amend or alter any laws. It serves as an expression of congressional sentiment rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On citizens: Could increase public awareness of senior nutrition needs, potentially leading to more volunteer participation and private donations, benefiting homebound seniors, those with disabilities, and individuals facing chronic health issues by reducing isolation and health risks like falls or hospital admissions.
• On government agencies: May encourage sustained or increased federal funding for the OAA through the Administration for Community Living (part of the Department of Health and Human Services), helping local programs handle a growing senior population (projected to rise significantly over decades) and lowering long-term taxpayer costs for Medicare and Medicaid by preventing institutionalization and expediting recovery.
• On international relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. programs.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Seniors and individuals with disabilities: Primary beneficiaries, gaining access to meals, social support, and health services to combat hunger and isolation.
• Local OAA nutrition programs: Supported through recognition, potential funding advocacy, and volunteer recruitment.
• Volunteers and national organizations: Highlighted for their critical roles in program delivery and fundraising.
• Members of Congress and federal agencies: Encouraged to engage directly and secure resources, fostering bipartisan support.
• Taxpayers: Indirectly benefited via cost savings from reduced healthcare expenditures.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: No binding effects; it reinforces existing OAA frameworks without creating new obligations or rights.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to address social welfare, but as a simple resolution, it requires no presidential approval and holds no force of law.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan sponsorship (from both parties), signaling strong congressional consensus on aging issues amid a rapidly growing senior demographic. It promotes public-private partnerships and could influence future appropriations debates, emphasizing preventive health as a cost-effective policy priority.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]

Cosponsors (18)

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-04: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1992-1993)
• 2026-01-15: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2026-01-15: Submitted in House
• 2026-01-15: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the value of the Older Americans Act of 1965 nutrition program in addressing hunger, malnutrition, and isolation, and improving the health and quality of life for millions of our Nations seniors each year. — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (4 pages)