Senate HELP Committee Approves Lifespan Respite Care Program Reauthorization Bill

Urge your Senators to Support S. 4325!

On May 23, 2024, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions approved S. 4325, the Lifespan Respite Care Program Reauthorization Act of 2024, introduced by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). The bill reauthorizes the program for another five years for $50 million ($10 million annually through FY 2029).

At the urging of the National Respite Coalition, the bill also modifies the definition of family caregiver to clarify that caregiving youth (those under 18 who are providing care or helping to provide care to family members) would be eligible for services under the program.

The next step is for the Senate to pass the bill.

The House version of the Lifespan Respite Reauthorization bill (HR 6160), introduced by Rep Marcus Molinaro (R-NY) and Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA), extends the program at current authorization levels through FY 2029, but does NOT include the change in the definition of family caregiver to extend program eligibility to caregiving youth. The National Respite Coalition is endorsing only the Senate bill for this reason.

The House bill was reported favorably from the House Energy and Commerce Committee on March 20, 2024, and is awaiting floor action.

Video of Sen. Susan Collins Remarks at HELP Committee Mark-Up

National Respite Coalition’s Letter of Endorsement for S. 4325

TAKE ACTION

CONTACT your Senators and urge them to support final passage of S. 4325 when it comes to the full floor of the Senate.

• Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senator’s office. When connected ask for health or disability staff. If you don’t reach them, leave a message!
• Message: Help bring the bipartisan Senate Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization bill (S. 4325) to the Senate floor and then vote for passage. The Lifespan Respite Care Program perfectly aligns with the goals of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, calling for a range of respite options to allow family caregivers to obtain respite services that meet their unique needs.
• Make it Personal. Share your personal respite story about why respite is important to you or why more respite is needed in your state.
• Phone calls or personal visits are best. For contact information or if you prefer to send an email or fax to your Senator, find their contact information here.

Please pick up the phone and call today.

Then circulate this alert to your networks and colleagues.