News Release

Statement by Mike Leavitt
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Regarding Passage of Older Americans Act Amendments of 2006

I commend the Congress for the successful passage of the16th reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. President Bush wants all Americans to have the opportunity to make choices about their daily lives and participate fully in community life.

This Act does much to ensure that the future of our nation�s seniors will be one in which elders and their caregivers are able to enjoy a higher quality of life, better health and access to critical supportive services.

Speaking on behalf of all Americans, I extend great appreciation for the commitment by the Congress working in a bipartisan manner toward reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. I thank the Congress for their leadership and am sincerely pleased with this significant step forward in modernizing the Older Americans Act for the 21st century.

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Last revised: October 2, 2006