Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, has announced the committee’s priorities for 2026. Building on what he described as a successful previous year, Scott said the committee will focus on accountability, affordability, transparency, and safety to support seniors across the country.
“I’m proud of what we have accomplished as a committee so far, but our work is far from done. Right now, aging Americans are still facing serious challenges, including America’s overreliance on foreign-manufactured generic drugs, often made in facilities with little oversight or accountability that could put us all at risk. This year, everything we do as a committee will be laser-focused on demanding accountability, affordability, transparency, and safety for our seniors. Together, we will work to secure our generic drug supply chain so that no American has to worry about the safety of their medicine cabinet, and we will ensure critical programs like those supported by the Older Americans Act continue to deliver for those who rely on them most,” Scott stated.
He added: “Throughout my career in health care, as Governor of Florida, and now as a U.S. Senator, standing up for America’s seniors has always been a top priority, and as chairman of this committee, I look forward to continuing our bipartisan work with President Trump and my colleagues to build on the incredible progress to Make Washington Work and ensure Americans can age with dignity, independence, and security, this year and for generations to come.”
The Senate Aging Committee plays a central role in addressing issues impacting older Americans such as Social Security and Medicare through hearings and reports that influence policy decisions (official website). The committee also provides resources aimed at public awareness regarding aging issues.
Scott highlighted four areas considered essential for senior wellness: physical health; financial security; safe communities; and strong family or community support.
In 2026 under Scott's leadership the committee plans to:
- Demand accountability from federal agencies and other entities affecting older Americans.
- Advance affordability by addressing rising costs faced by seniors.
- Strengthen transparency across sectors including healthcare and financial services.
- Promote safety so older adults can live securely both offline and online.
The Senate Aging Committee offers tools such as fraud prevention hotlines designed to protect older people from scams (official website). It operates from offices in Washington D.C., where it holds hearings on topics like retirement security or elder abuse prevention (official website).
Scott serves as chair of the committee while Kirsten Gillibrand is ranking member (official website). The committee oversees nationwide programs related to elder care through investigations and legislative recommendations (official website).
The Senate Aging Committee functions as an authorized body within the U.S. Senate responsible for matters related to aging since becoming permanent in 1977 after its creation in 1961 (official website).
