H.R.es465 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should enact the Older Americans Bill of Rights to establish that older Americans should have the right to live with dignity and with independence. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.465 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Congress should enact the Older Americans Bill of Rights. This bill aims to ensure older Americans have the right to live with dignity and independence. The resolution highlights various challenges faced by older Americans, including economic insecurity, healthcare access, and vulnerability to fraud.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Older Americans Bill of Rights could lead to policy changes focused on improving the lives of older adults. This includes enhanced access to healthcare, financial security, and community participation. The bill also seeks to address issues such as prescription drug costs, retirement savings, and protection against abuse and exploitation.
Potential Benefits
- Improved healthcare access and affordability for older Americans.
- Enhanced financial and retirement security through Social Security and pension protections.
- Increased community participation through accessible housing, transportation, and technology.
- Protection against fraud, scams, and financial exploitation.
- Support for caregivers and expansion of the direct care workforce.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution is non-binding and does not guarantee any specific legislative action.
- Potential costs associated with implementing the proposed rights, which may require increased government spending.
- Possible political challenges in achieving bipartisan support for the bill.
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the specific details of future legislation.
- Overlap with existing programs and services, potentially leading to inefficiencies.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. While the Constitution does not explicitly address the rights of older Americans, the proposed bill of rights could be seen as an effort to ensure equal protection under the law, potentially invoking the 14th Amendment. However, the specific details of implementing such a bill would need to be carefully considered to avoid infringing on other constitutional rights or exceeding the powers granted to the federal government.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).