×

New law will protect older Americans

Sen. Grassley led bipartisan effort to reduce crimes that target the elderly

Sadly, bipartisan cooperation is quite rare in Congress just now. That makes it all the more impressive that legislation designed to increase enforcement efforts against those who commit crimes that target the older members of our communities has been passed by the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives and awaits the expected signature of the president.

The Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 was introduced and strongly supported in the Senate by Senate Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. It received broad backing by in both houses of Congress by members of both political parties.

“Exploiting and defrauding seniors is cowardly, and these crimes should be addressed as the reprehensible acts they are,” Grassley said after the House joined the Senate in passing the bill. “Our legislation will enhance our nation’s response to these crimes and help families across America by equipping law enforcement, seniors and caregivers with additional training and tools to better deter crimes and hold perpetrators accountable. And it sends a clear signal from Congress that combatting elder abuse and exploitation should be a top priority for law enforcement.”

According to a summary of the legislation provided by the Iowa senator, the new law would make responding to elder abuse and financial exploitation of seniors easier and more productive.

That’s very good news indeed.

The Messenger applauds Grassley’s leadership in moving this legislation through Congress. He has a long record of crafting legislation that gains the support of both Republicans and Democrats. That is a skill much needed in our all too polarized Congress.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today