WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), announced her appointment as Vice Chair of the relaunched House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families (TFAF). The House Democratic Caucus relaunched and renamed its task force focused on the needs of our nation’s older Americans, their families and future generations looking ahead to retirement to reflect an inclusive focus on the needs of caregivers and how aging impacts an entire household.

Many seniors living on limited budgets struggle to pay for health care, long-term care and the high cost of prescription drugs. More people are more afraid of running out of money in retirement than they are of dying, and retirement security is looming as an even larger problem for younger Americans.  The Task Force on Aging and Families will serve as a central body to coordinate Caucus engagement with older Americans and champion their priorities. At the end of the year, the Task Force will introduce a resolution known as the “Older Americans Bill of Rights,” which will enshrine the basic rights to which all older Americans are entitled. 

“Our seniors are the backbone and consciousness of our communities, and we have a moral obligation to ensure they are able to lead meaningful and dignified lives as they age,” said Congresswoman Pressley, Vice Chair of the relaunched House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging and Families. “In Massachusetts, older Americans face skyrocketing prescription drug prices, a crumbling housing stock, and financial insecurity. I look forward to working in partnership with the senior community to ensure aging Americans are well taken care of and that those who care for them have the resources and support they need.”

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) are returning as Task Force Co-Chairs and are joined by new Co-Chair Congressman Conor Lamb (D-PA). Along with Congresswoman Pressley, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) will serve as Vice-Chairs.

The Task Force has been reconstituted out of a recognition that health care and aging costs have a significant economic impact, with economists projecting that health care costs will reach 20% of GDP within the next decade, owing in part to our growing older population. TFAF will also consider the infrastructure and human capital required to care for older Americans and ensure they can age with security and independence.

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