U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) is sponsoring legislation that would reconvene the Permanent Select Committee on Aging, which would address long-term care issues of concern to seniors.
The committee would be authorized to conduct a continuing comprehensive study and review of the problems facing older Americans, including income maintenance, poverty, housing, health, welfare, employment, education, recreation and long-term care. It would not, however, have any legislative jurisdiction, bill documents state.
“Our nation’s seniors deserve dedicated attention by lawmakers to consider the legislative priorities that affect them, including Social Security and Medicare, the rising cost of prescription drugs, poverty, housing issues, long-term care, and other important issues,” Cicilline said in a statement.
Herb Weiss first reported on the proposed legislation (H.R. 821). The panel was active from 1974 through 1993. Initially the House panel had 35 members but would later grow to 65 members, the report explained.
This is the third time Cicilline has proposed bringing back the committee, with his first two efforts coming during 2015-16 and 2017-18. Republicans controlled the House during both of those efforts.
The legislation faces fewer hurdles in the House this time around since it’s controlled by Democrats. It has since been referred to the House Rules committee.
“The re-establishment of the Permanent Select Committee will emphasize Congress’s commitment to current and future seniors. It will also help ensure older Americans can live their lives with dignity and economic security,” he said.
