As reported earlier, President Bush vetoed the Older Americans Act appropriation bill finalized by Congress that included increases for supportive services and senior centers, congregate meals, home-delivered meals, nutrition services incentives, family caregiver support, and the AoA Choices for Independence initiative.

According to the National Council on Aging, the President was opposed because it spent $9.8 billion more than he proposed in his budget. His quarrel was not primarily about aging programs-the $111 million in increases were among numerous increases that he opposed.

On Thursday the House fell two votes short of overriding the veto, with a 277-141 vote. 66.27% of the House voted for the override, but 66.67% were needed, so the veto stands.

What happens next is not clear. Democratic leaders have promised to propose new spending levels that cut the increases in half (from $22 to $11 billion), both in this bill and in other appropriations bills that the President opposes. The Democrats want to achieve at least one of the following: win over enough Republicans for a veto- override margin, or gain White House support for smaller increases, or win the battle for public opinion. It is not clear whether those cuts will make a percentage reduction in all increases or hit some of the increases harder than others. A conclusion may not come until the week of December 17.

Aging advocates are encouraged to continue to communicate to members of Congress the need for additional resources for older adults in our communities.

NC Association on Aging

email: ncaoaorg@yahoo.com

web: http://www.ncaoa.org