Storytelling is powerful. It helps listeners imagine themselves in someone else's shoes and appreciate the many ways people experience the world. It can cut through partisanship and change the way people understand aging issues. But stories about aging aren't told often enough. This summer is the time to change that.

Congress is working on tax and funding bills between now and September 30. The results will determine a lot about what aging services in our nation look like. Let's dig into what the next few months will hold and get excited to rise in defense of the health, safety, and independence of older Americans.

With stories in hand, we led 125 aging services professionals to Capitol Hill during our Age+Action Conference. The group shared with 106 Congressional offices, highlighting the connections between the federal budget and the lives of real people.

We had meaningful, substantive conversations with staffers about how the Older Americans Act and other aging policies currently work, as well as the increasing demand for support services. One thing became clear during these visits: even Congress isn't quite sure how it will address what's in the Trump administration's budget requests.

The halls of the Russell Senate Office Building, shown here, are typically packed with staffers and  legislators conducting the nation's business. Right now, they're focused on addressing the Medicare and Medicaid changes in the "big beautiful bill" passed by the House of Representatives.

But we don't know how long that process might take. The longer it goes on, the more pressure is put on the process of creating the new budget, which is expected to feature even more disagreements.

The most recent budget request from the Trump administration includes some improvements suggested by advocates. Unfortunately, it still pushes for lots of cuts to aging services programs. We must seize every opportunity we have to explain the value of these programs.

August will feature a long Congressional recess. Legislators will be in their home districts, meeting with constituents and staking positions on funding priorities. That's when people should engage. We are rolling out educational efforts now, with a focus on the Older Americans Act and the Senior Community Service Employment Program, so anyone who wants to help can be ready to act.

The Bottom Line

We have a lot of competition for attention in the news. The aging services programs you've learned about with us for months are not well known by the broader public. To get around that, we need people power.

In other words, your enthusiasm for these issues is the key to making sure older Americans are protected in the FY26 budget.

We know this isn't the kind of thing you bring up at a party. It's not familiar or exciting to most people. But talking about the things that affect our lives is a sincere way to spark a sense of responsibility in your community. You'll be surprised how much people open up when you talk to them. After all, these programs affect people now and many more people will need them in the future. Maybe even you.

So let's stay focused and optimistic about what's to come. We'll navigate it together!

Cheers,

The NCOA Public Policy & Advocacy Team

P.S. - The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) is back! TROA was recently reintroduced in the U.S. Senate. If the bill passes, Medicare would cover a wide range of anti-obesity treatments, including behavioral therapy and anti-obesity medications. We're not expecting movement on it any time soon, but it's a nice reminder that there are still members of Congress keen on improving obesity care.

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