SRES-241-116
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S3297; text: CR S3292-3293)
Sponsored by Susan Collins (R-ME)
What it does
This resolution designates May 2019 as "Older Americans Month." It encourages Americans to recognize the contributions of older individuals through public acknowledgment of their achievements, opportunities to share their wisdom with younger generations, and recognition of their role in strengthening communities. The resolution has no binding legal effect and creates no new programs, spending, or mandates.
Who benefits
Americans age 65 and older (more than 52 million people as of 2018) who receive symbolic recognition of their contributions. Advocacy organizations focused on aging issues, which may use the designation for public awareness campaigns. Businesses and nonprofits serving older adults that benefit from increased public attention to aging-related issues.
Who is hurt
No group is materially harmed by this resolution. It creates no mandates, spending, or regulatory burdens on any individual or organization.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formal recognition of older Americans' contributions reinforces the social value of a population that accounts for 16% of the U.S. population and includes over 9 million veterans. They contend that commemorative designations raise public awareness, encourage community engagement, and complement existing programs like the Older Americans Act of 1965, which already serves more than 11 million older individuals annually.
Opponents argue
Opponents might argue that symbolic resolutions consume limited legislative floor time without producing measurable policy outcomes for older Americans, who face concrete challenges such as healthcare affordability and retirement security. They could contend that the Senate's time would be better spent on substantive legislation addressing the programs — Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security — that the resolution itself acknowledges older Americans depend upon.