Neal, Bonamici Continue to Fight for Seniors and People with Disabilities by Reintroducing Elder Justice Bill to Increase Funding and Strengthen Community-Based Programs

WASHINGTON, DC- At a time when Republicans and the Trump Administration are threatening health programs and protections for seniors and people with disabilities, Ways & Means Committee Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Co-Chair of the House Elder Justice Caucus Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) reintroduced legislation to fight back. With advocates calling this the most comprehensive bill in Congress on the topic, the Elder Justice Reauthorization & Modernization Act of 2026 will build on Democrats' progress and will protect seniors and people with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and isolation.

The Elder Justice Reauthorization & Modernization Act of 2026 reauthorizes the Elder Justice Act (EJA) and commits dedicated funding to vital programs that address the prevention, detection, and treatment of abuse against seniors and people with disabilities. This legislation builds on the first-ever authorization of mandatory funding for Adult Protective Services in December 2020. As part of the reauthorization, the bill creates new investments in the post-acute and long-term care workforce, funds programs to address social isolation, and supports medical-legal partnerships.

"We have a responsibility to strengthen programs that prevent the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of seniors and people with disabilities, as our citizenry ages and as Republicans continue to wage war against the health care system at-large," said Ranking Member Neal. "This reauthorization builds on our progress by strengthening Elder Justice programs, investing in nursing home safety, and ensuring every American can age with security and dignity. As Republicans continue to cut health care and financial security for seniors and vulnerable Americans, we are focused on creating real solutions through expanding protections, strengthening care, and ensuring bad actors are held accountable."

"Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation continue to rise at alarming rates," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "This legislation will provide needed funding to address the physical, emotional, and financial abuse that too many older Americans experience. This bill is an important step forward in the fight to protect one of our most vulnerable populations."

The legislation directly appropriates substantial funding for EJA programs and activities. The Trump Administration has set its sights on this funding, making significant attacks, and causing additional investments to be necessary to meet the growing needs of seniors and people with disabilities.

A summary of the bill can be found HERE.

The legislative text of the bill can be found HERE.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:

"The bipartisan 3,000 member Elder Justice Coalition today commended the introduction of H.R 8060 the Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2026," said Bob Blancato, National Coordinator, Elder Justice Coalition. "We view this as the most comprehensive bill in Congress to address the continuing national scandal of elder abuse neglect and exploitation. We must never waver in our commitment to protect older adults from the ravages of abuse whether it is from a scammer or other human perpetrators. We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Richard Neal and Suzanne Bonamici not only for the introduction of this bill but their years as stalwart champions of preventing elder abuse."

"The Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2026 includes critical support that older adults and their caregivers need to avoid and prevent financial exploitation, physical and psychological abuse and other unacceptable forms of elder abuse. We are especially gratified that the legislation recognizes the important role of aging service care workers by providing funding through FY2030 for state grants to enhance education, training, career advancement, and wages for direct care workers, as well as providing for critical staff supports like child care. These grants that will help to sustain staff and attract new employees to the sector, which is critical for our mission-driven, nonprofit members," said Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO, LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit and mission-driven providers of aging services. "Without staff, there is no care. We applaud Ranking Member Neal and Congresswoman Bonamici for their leadership on this bill, which will get us one step closer to an America that values older adults and those who serve them."

"NAPSA appreciates the leadership of Representative Neal and Representative Bonamici for their commitment to states' Adult Protective Services (APS) programs," said Jennifer Spoeri, Executive Director, National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA). "We strongly endorse the reauthorization of the Elder Justice Act which is essential for APS programs to protect and prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities."

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