Advocacy
Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging is committed to staying engaged in, and sharing, the latest public policy news affecting older adults, caregivers and the professionals who care for them. The Washington Update is produced monthly with our partners at Matz, Blancato & Associates to share the latest information about policy issues impacting older adults and their families.
FY27 Appropriations
Congress returned from its August recess, with the House resuming legislative activity this week, breaking next week for Labor Day, and returning with the Senate on September 14. With members set to return to their home districts in early October to prepare for midterm elections, only a few weeks remain for lawmakers to determine which issues and priorities to address. One important matter has been settled, for now, with President Trump signing a Continuing Resolution that holds federal funding at FY26 levels until December 11.
Farm Bill
Time is running short to renew the farm bill, which expires on September 30. The farm bill’s largest programs are nutrition-related, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and farmers market and commodity programs. The process is stalled while lawmakers discuss different proposals to roll back HR.1 related changes to SNAP. The House draft does not roll back any changes and the Senate draft includes a one-year delay to the SNAP cost shift to states but adds a higher penalty for benefit payment errors. If a farm bill is not passed by January 1, agricultural commodity processes will revert to 1930s law, potentially increasing grocery prices.
Census Bureau Report
The U.S. Census Bureau’s An Aging World: 2025 reports that between 2020 and 2025, the global population age 65 and older surpassed the population age 5 and younger for the first time in recorded history. The report highlights a continued shift toward older populations worldwide, with the number and share of older adults expected to grow significantly in the coming decades.
New CRS Report on Adult Protective Services
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) released a new In Focus report on APS. Unlike reports that CRS prepares in response to a specific request from Congress, In Focus publications are generally initiated by CRS to provide concise, accessible background on issues that are generating interest among policymakers.
The report provides an introduction to APS and its role, which may be particularly useful as policymakers and congressional staff continue to seek a better understanding of the program.
What the Midterms Mean for Older Adults
Join nationally recognized aging policy leader Bob Blancato for a nonpartisan conversation about how the 2026 midterm elections may shape policies affecting older adults and caregivers. From healthcare and long-term care to federal funding and aging services, this session will help you understand the issues, opportunities, and challenges ahead. This free webinar is on Tuesday, September 15 at noon. Register now!
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