Bicameral Resolutions Follows Caregiving Fly-In Day That Brought More Than 100 Advocates to Capitol Hill
Washington, DC— Today, the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) applauds the introduction of bicameral, bipartisan resolutions recognizing November 2024 as National Family Caregivers Month.
The Senate’s resolution, S.Res. 917, and the House of Representatives resolution, H.Res. 1591, follow last week’s advocacy push led by NAC – that brought more than 100 caregiving advocates and caregivers from 22 states to meet with their members of Congress. As part of NAC’s congressional fly-in, the group urged Congress to reauthorize the Older Americans Act during 2024’s lame duck session and sprint to the end.
“We applaud members from both sides of the aisle and from both chambers, for coming together to recognize the vital role family caregivers play in our economy, healthcare system, and communities,” said Jason Resendez, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving. “Supporting our nation’s more than 53 million family caregivers transcends party lines, as demonstrated by this bipartisan House resolution. It shows that caregiving is the common ground where we unite for a more caring future.”
Said resolution cosponsors:
“Family caregivers are our Nation’s unsung heroes, performing essential work to sustain and enhance the lives of their loved ones. That’s why I’ve fought for legislation to boost funding for home and community-based services and increase financial support for grandparent caregivers. This month, and every month, we must be grateful for our caregivers and continue working to provide them support.”
– Senator Bob Casey, (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging
“Family caregivers are essential to the well-being of their loved ones, providing invaluable support often without the resources they deserve. This bipartisan resolution is recognition of the countless sacrifices family caregivers make to ensure their loved ones receive the care and dignity they deserve.”
– Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine)
“Our families mean so much to each and every one of us. When family members step up to care for those in need, it is important that we recognize the impact of this decision for the person receiving care, the caregiver themselves, and the health care economy at large. In my district, I am proud that we have outstanding organizations, such as Fred’s Footsteps and Connectedly, and individuals who are dedicated to ensuring that family caregivers are supported in their essential work. I am proud to work alongside my colleagues in the House and Senate on both sides of the aisle to designate this month in recognition and continue our commitment to family caregivers.”
–Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA)
“Family caregivers play an indispensable role in our society, providing compassionate care and unwavering support to our most vulnerable and loved ones. Our bipartisan, bicameral resolution is a testament to our collective appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of our nation’s family caregivers who often go unrecognized. I encourage my colleagues to join us in this effort and advocating for initiatives that offer meaningful support and resources to those who shoulder this vital responsibility.”
–Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
Specifically, the resolutions recognize the importance of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers as a roadmap to better support caregivers in the United States. The National Strategy, launched in 2022, represents the nation’s first whole-of-society approach to supporting America’s 53 million family caregivers. NAC will continue to advocate for implementation of the National Strategy heading into the new administration and Congress.
NAC is grateful for the bipartisan leadership behind H.Res. 1591 including co-sponsors: Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-Va.), Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Rep. Summer L. Lee (D-Pa.); Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.); Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-Ga.); Rep. Nikema Williams (D-Ga.); Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). Senate co-sponsors include Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
About the National Alliance for Caregiving
Since 1996, the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) has been a catalyst for change, transforming how the United States recognizes, supports, and values our 53 million family caregivers providing complex care. Through our nationally recognized research and our advocacy for the first-ever National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, we drive the policy, system, and culture change needed to make family caregivers a national priority. With more than 50 members, we build partnerships across aging, disability, healthcare, philanthropy, and the private sector to make caregiving more sustainable, equitable, and dignified. For more information visit: https://www.caregiving.org
