The Older Americans Act is one of the most successful social programs we have ever had in this nation. While many people may be unfamiliar with the name of this legislation, most Americans know about the value of senior centers and the importance of the Meals on Wheels program. These important services for seniors, and many others, are funded by the federal government through the Older Americans Act.

First passed in 1965, the Older Americans Act was created to provide nutrition and support services to seniors. Since it was first authorized, this legislation has been reauthorized 12 times. Unfortunately, the program has not been updated since 1995, and every year's funding for these much needed services is dependent on the annual appropriations process.

Since 1995, I have fought to get the Older Americans Act reauthorized. While we have been able to maintain funding levels annually through the appropriations process, only through reauthorization can we hope to provide the funding levels that are needed to expand the Older Americans Act to meet the needs of seniors in the next century. Without reauthorization, the funding levels remain virtually static while the senior population continues to grow.

The Meals on Wheels program is a good example of the inability of the Older Americans Act to keep up with the funding needs of seniors. Nationwide, some three million seniors benefit annually from this nutrition program. But the need is even greater. Approximately 41 percent of U.S. cities have waiting lists of seniors in need of this service, and in Maryland more than 635 seniors are on a wait list. Studies also show that for many seniors one delivered meal is not enough to prevent malnutrition.

In this century, Americans are living longer and are more mobile. The result is that millions of Americans are often alone when they reach old age and are most in need of assistance. This trend is projected to continue into the next century. In fact, by 2030 the number of seniors is expected to double as the baby boomer generation reaches old age.

The National Family Caregiver Support Program is an important initiative contained in the reauthorization that would provide education, training, and counseling for family members and others who provide home respite care for seniors. The need for this type of service is growing. Studies show that elder care will soon top child care as a major concern for employees. Currently, adult children and spouses provide the equivalent of $200 billion in care to elderly or ailing relatives. Family members of Alzheimer patients spend an average of 69 to 100 hours a week providing such care.

The Older Americans Act is one of the most important social programs we have for seniors. Without it we would not be able to fund senior centers, senior nutrition programs, community employment services for low-income seniors, legal assistance, and in-home services for those who are frail. The reality is that the need for more services for seniors is only increasing, not decreasing. That's why this Congress must act -- and quickly -- to reauthorize this important legislation.