DNC Chair Ken Martin issued the following statement on the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act:

“2025 marks 60 years since a historic turning point for American seniors. In 1965, before Democrats created Medicare and Medicaid to provide health and long-term care services, they passed the Older Americans Act (OAA) — a landmark law that established critical financial, medical, and civil rights protections for older Americans and their families. Thanks to the OAA, Democrats have been able to honor that commitment and ensure that Americans can age with dignity and financial security.

“Because of Donald Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’, millions of American parents and grandparents are at risk of losing this care. Livesaving programs like Medicaid and Medicare used to be cornerstones of American progress, but Trump’s budget rips away those very programs. Trump proudly passed this bill, which puts 17 million Americans at risk of losing their Medicaid. 

“Democrats are fighting for your grandparents, your parents, and the caretakers who support them. As we recognize the contributions of older Americans, we must also protect their hard-earned livelihoods. Whether it’s lowering prescription drug costs, addressing the unique health risks seniors face, or defending Social Security and Medicare from Republican attacks, Democrats will do what’s right by our older Americans.”