Led by Representatives Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) and Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), H.R. 2922, the Elder Abuse Protection Act, passed in the House of Representatives Wednesday.
Spartz
“I am very happy to see that the House can come together on an issue important to our seniors and pass bipartisan legislation. I am proud to co-lead this important initiative,” Rep. Spartz said.
The bill makes permanent the Elder Justice Initiative (EJI) within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice. The EJI will focus on criminal enforcement and public engagement efforts to combat abuse, neglect, and financial fraud scams that target the elderly.
The bill also makes permanent a hotline to address calls from the public concerning elder abuse and elder justice. The National Elder Fraud Hotline can currently be reached at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311.
Background
The EJI was established by the Trump Administration. Through this initiative, the Trump Administration charged nearly 1,000 defendants with fraud – totaling over $2.2 billion.
The Elder Abuse Protection Act is endorsed by the Center for Medicare Advocacy; Social Security Works, Elder Justice Coalition; National Council on Aging; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees; and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
H.R. 2922 now goes to the U.S. Senate where it awaits further action. The full bill text is available online.