L: On July 28, 2025, AARP sent a letter of endorsement to Senators Banks (R-IN) and Schatz (D-HI) endorsing the Build More Housing Near Transit Act. The shortage of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income households continues to drive up costs, placing significant financial strain on older adults living on fixed incomes. Developing affordable housing near public transportation can help reduce some of the financial burden. For many older adults, access to public transportation enables them to maintain their independence, access essential services, and stay connected to their communities. This bipartisan legislation incentivizes affordable housing development near transit hubs by directing the Department of Transportation to give bonus points to grant proposals that include pro-housing policies for areas along the transit project route. (PDF)
L: On July 28, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Social Security Administration Commissioner Frank Bisignano raising concerns over new Social Security policies that could make it harder for older Americans to access services by phone. Starting August 18, Social Security plans to limit identity verification options, potentially forcing millions of older Americans to drive to field offices for simple tasks they currently handle over the phone. This is especially problematic given the average wait to get an appointment at a field office is 35 days. We are urging the agency to reconsider these changes and prioritize customer service. After paying into Social Security after a lifetime of hard work, older adults deserve to access their benefits and have their questions answered timely, accurately, and in the manner of their choosing. (PDF)
L: On July 25, AARP sent a letter to Representatives Amo (D-RI) and Shreve (R-IN) endorsing the bipartisan STOP Scams Against Seniors Act. This legislation would empower state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies to better combat the growing epidemic of financial fraud targeting older Americans by authorizing federal Byrne JAG grants to support Elder Justice Task Forces nationwide, improving coordination and investigative capacity to pursue and prosecute criminals who exploit older adults. (PDF)
L: On July 25, AARP sent a letter to Senators Welch (D-VT) and Budd (R-NC) endorsing the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act. This bipartisan legislation builds on the TRACED Act and represents a critical next step in protecting Americans—especially older adults—from fraudulent and abusive robocalls originating outside the United States. Older Americans are disproportionately targeted by these scams, which often result in financial loss, identity theft, and emotional distress. The bill would establish an interagency task force led by the FCC, FTC, and DOJ to study call volumes, identify high-risk countries, evaluate consumer harm, and promote global adoption of call authentication technologies like STIR/SHAKEN. (PDF)
L: On July 24, AARP sent a letter to Senators Britt (R-AL) and Gillibrand (D-NY) endorsing the GUARD Act. According to the FTC, an estimated $61.5 billion dollars was stolen from Americans age 60 and over in 2023 and too few of these cases were investigated by law enforcement. This bipartisan legislation will empower state and local law enforcement with federal grants that will allow them to hire staff, train them, and secure specialized software and other tools to improve their capacity to conduct fraud investigations. This will ensure law enforcement have the tools they need to lock up the criminals who victimize America’s seniors. (PDF)
S: On July 24, 2025, AARP submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing on “Freedom to Work: Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers”. The statement emphasized the need to close the retirement savings gap, highlighting that nearly half of U.S. workers lack access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. AARP highlighted their work to advocate for state-facilitated auto-IRA programs—which have already enrolled over one million workers and amassed $2.28 billion in assets—and urged Congress to build on these successful models to ensure all workers have a pathway to retirement security. (PDF)
L: On July 22, AARP sent letters to Representatives Kim (R-CA) and Castor (D-FL) and Senators Klobuchar (D-MN) and Moran (R-KS) endorsing the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would require that all mandatory fees be disclosed upfront in the advertised price of short-term lodging, including hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. This commonsense reform ensures that the price consumers see is the price they pay: no hidden fees, no last-minute surprises. By prohibiting misleading price advertising and mandating full fee disclosure, this legislation empowers consumers to make informed decisions and better manage their travel expenses. (House-PDF) (Senate-PDF)
L: On July 16, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Representatives Nunn (R-IA) and Himes (D-CT) endorsing the bipartisan, bicameral Taskforce for Recognizing and Averting Payment Scams Act (TRAPS Act), which aims to protect older Americans from financial scams. With fraud costing Americans over 60 an estimated $61.5 billion in 2023, this legislation would create a task force to combat digital payment scams. The task force—composed of financial regulators, institutions, and consumer advocates—would analyze fraud trends and develop strategies to enhance protections. (PDF)
C: On July 14, AARP submitted comments in response to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) request for comment on modernizing FINRA’s rules, guidance, and processes for the organization and operation of member workplaces. In its comment letter, AARP emphasized the importance of maintaining strong investor protections, especially for seniors, who are often the targets of fraud and financial abuse. AARP specifically urged FINRA to maintain and enforce clear and consistent fiduciary duties, aligning with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations. Additionally, AARP highlighted the need to protect seniors from financial exploitation by family members and third parties. AARP also stressed the importance of retaining paper delivery as the default method for financial disclosures, ensuring that seniors who may not be comfortable with digital formats continue to receive critical information in a manner that suits their needs. (PDF)
June
L: On June 29, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of the U.S Senate sharing AARP’s views on several key provisions under consideration in the House’s budget reconciliation process. AARP noted the challenges expressed by their membership including the rising cost of groceries, the soaring price of prescription drugs, and the growing number of family caregivers stretched thin as they try to care for their loved ones while keeping their jobs, among others. Support was expressed for meaningful tax relief as well as a tax credit for paid family and medical leave, while expressing opposition to cuts to Medicaid, Marketplace health coverage, and food assistance as well as the policy to keep prescription drug prices high for certain types of drugs. (PDF)
T: On June 17, Jilenne Gunther, the National Director of AARP's BankSafe Initiative, testified at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled, "Scammers Exposed: Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Crime Networks." She emphasized the growing threat of elder financial exploitation, which costs older Americans at least $28 billion annually. She highlighted the dual nature of exploitation—by strangers through scams and by trusted individuals—and the devastating financial and emotional toll it takes on victims. Gunther detailed AARP’s BankSafe Initiative, which partners with over 1,500 financial institutions to train frontline staff, implement protective policies, and use technology like AI to detect and prevent fraud before money is lost. She called for stronger legal authority for banks to delay suspicious transactions, improved cross-sector data sharing, and greater accountability from telecom and social media platforms. (PDF)
L: On June 17, AARP sent letters to Representatives Rose (R-TN) and Torres (D-NY) and Senators Hagerty (R-TN) and Reed (D-RI) endorsing the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act. This bipartisan legislation takes important steps to protect older Americans—who make up more than 75% of U.S. homeowners—from misleading and fraudulent solicitations during home transactions. By requiring consumers to opt in before their credit inquiry data can be sold and limiting the use of mortgage “trigger leads,” the bill helps prevent scams that exploit major life events like buying or selling a home. AARP applauds this effort to strengthen consumer protections and reduce fraud targeting older adults. (Senate-PDF) (House-PDF)
L: On June 17, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Senators Husted (R-OH) and Warnock (D-GA) endorsing the Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will establish a dedicated task force on AI in financial services, comprising representatives from key financial services regulatory agencies, financial institutions, third-party vendors, and AI experts to explore the use of AI in the financial sector to commit and detect fraud. (PDF)
L: On June 12, AARP sent a letter to Representatives Kim (R-CA) and McBride (D-DE) endorsing the Ending Scam Credit Repair Act, or “ESCRA.” This bill would address issues in the credit repair industry. Credit repair organizations (CROs) often claim to help them erase or fix items on peoples’ credit reports but instead exploit customers with the promise of a quick credit fix they aren’t able to deliver on. ESCRA would introduce new rules to shield consumers from misleading and fraudulent practices. It would ban upfront fees until a CRO provides documentation from a consumer reporting agency showing they have delivered the promised service. It also requires all CROs to register with states and increases civil penalties for violations. Finally, ESCRA would require CROs to inform customers that they do not provide any services that the customers could not do themselves for free, as people are often misled to believe they must pay for this type of service. (PDF)
L: On June 10, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the Housing Supply Frameworks Act (HSFA), which was reintroduced by Representatives Mike Flood (R-NE) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO). The bill will encourage a variety of affordable housing types to meet the demands of today’s older adults and their families by reducing regulatory barriers. The HSFA directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide guidelines and best practices for state and local governments to develop zoning and land use frameworks. Seventy percent of people age 50 and older want to stay in their current home and community for as long as possible. Yet nearly half are not confident that their community will meet their needs as they age. (PDF)
L: On June 5, 2025, AARP sent letters to the Chairs and Ranking Members the U.S. House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, asking that the Committees continue to make investments in programs that help ensure older Americans can live independently and with dignity as they age. Specifically, AARP urged investment in the programs that address the availability and affordability of housing for older Americans as well as the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities. (Senate – PDF) (House – PDF)
L: On June 5, 2025, AARP sent letters to U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-5) and Ann Wagner (R-MO-2) endorsing the Senior Security Act of 2025. This legislation would help combat financial exploitation of older Americans by creating an interdivisional taskforce at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to examine and identify challenges that seniors face while investing. It would also require the U.S. Government Accountability Office to study and report on the economic costs of the financial exploitation of seniors. (PDF)
S: On Tuesday, June 3, AARP sent a statement for the record to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for their hearing titled “Stopping Illegal Robocalls and Robotexts: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps.” In the statement, AARP highlighted the importance of combatting illegal and unwanted robocalls and texts. AARP noted, fraud has evolved significantly, moving from traditional door-to-door scams to sophisticated digital schemes threatening the financial security of older Americans. Criminals often target older adults because they have more money due to accumulated savings making them a more lucrative target. (PDF)
May
L: On May 29, AARP sent letters endorsing the TICKET Act to Representatives Bilirakis (R-FL) and Schakowsky (D-IL) and Senators Schmitt (R-MO) and Markey (D-MA). This bill would require ticket sellers, including those on the secondary market, to clearly disclose the total ticket price at the time it is first displayed and throughout the purchasing process. Additionally, the bill prohibits selling or advertising tickets without actual possession of them, except for services to obtain tickets, which must be clearly separated from the event tickets and disclosed as not being event tickets. The bill also requires refunds for canceled or postponed events. This transparency will help older adults know how much they will pay for tickets, without surprise costs or excessive fees. (Senate-PDF) (House-PDF)
L: On May 28, 2025, AARP sent a letter to the House bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group endorsing the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act. AARP states that this is an important first step towards establishing a comprehensive paid leave program to help all Americans balance work and family responsibilities. The legislation also establishes the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act (I-PLAN) to help states coordinate their benefits, exchange data, establish policy standards, and reduce administrative burden to ensure workers are not mired in red tape when trying to access the benefits they have earned. (PDF)
L: On May 27, 2025, AARP sent letters to the Chairs and Ranking Members the U.S. Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, Subcommittees on Financial Services and General Government asking that the Committees continue to make investments in the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to help ensure older Americans receive the tax help they need and the refunds they are owed. AARP Tax-Aide helps on average taxpayers to get back more than $1 billion in refunds and tax credits each year. (Senate – PDF) (House – PDF)
L: On May 22, 2025, AARP sent letters to the Chairs and Ranking Members the U.S. Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, Subcommittees on Labor, Health & Human Services asking that the Committees continue to make investments in programs that help ensure older Americans can live independently and with dignity as they age. Specifically, AARP urged investment in the programs associated with the operation of the Social Security Administration, SCSEP, LIHEAP, Senior Nutrition and the many vital services provided through the Older Americans Act that older Americans rely upon. (Senate – PDF) (House – PDF)
S: On May 21, 2025, AARP submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Special Committee on Aging related to a hearing, “Preparing for Disasters: Unique Challenges Facing Older Americans” that was held on May 14, 2025. AARP’s statement relates the importance of collaboration and communication in advance of a disaster, and building relationships between emergency managers and advocates for older adults. The statement also makes several recommendations, including that FEMA should take a leadership role with states and localities in planning for and mitigating potential natural hazards with comprehensive disaster plans. (PDF)
L: On May 20, 2025, AARP sent letters re-endorsing the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Representatives Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Glenn Grothman (R-WI) reintroduced this bill, which would restore protections for older workers against age discrimination. Older workers are vital to a thriving economy, yet according to AARP research, 64 percent of workers ages 50-plus report seeing or experiencing age discrimination on the job. AARP is pleased that this bill reinstates well-established legal standards on workplace discrimination that were undermined by the 2009 Supreme Court decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc. and subsequent age discrimination cases that followed its reasoning. (Senate-PDF) (House-PDF).
L: AARP sent a letter to Senators Cassidy (R-LA) and Kaine (D-VA) endorsing the Auto Reenroll Act of 2025. This legislation would permit plan sponsors to automatically reenroll non-participants at least once every three years, unless they affirmatively opt out, which will increase plan participation, help prompt employees to take better advantage of their benefits, and increase employees’ retirement savings. This legislation would help to ensure workers take advantage of their retirement plans and full employer match. (PDF)
L: On Thursday, May 15, AARP sent letters endorsing the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act. This legislation would reinstate the casualty and theft loss deduction, better ensuring fraud victims don't have to pay taxes on stolen funds. Currently, if you have money stolen from retirement or other taxable accounts the IRS may tax you on money you already lost to criminals. The current policy essentially revictimizes Americans who already had their hard-earned savings stolen from them. This legislation will help end the injustice currently written into the tax code. (Senate-PDF) (House-PDF)
L: On May 15, 2025, AARP filed a comment letter in response to a Request for Information from the FEMA Review Council regarding experiences with FEMA as well as recommendations for the Council. Our letter relates individual experiences with FEMA from disaster survivors and recommends that the federal government take a leadership role with states and localities in planning for and mitigating disasters. The letter also recommends that plans should address the needs of older adults and people with disabilities and involve these individuals in the development of the plans. (PDF)
L: On May 13, 2025, AARP sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Committee expressing our positions on several provisions in the Committee’s tax package affecting older Americans. The letter highlights support for the increased bonus standard deduction for seniors, enhancements to the Section 45S tax credit for paid family leave, and expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. AARP also urged the Committee to include additional measures, such as caregiver tax relief and reinstatement of the casualty and theft loss deduction. The letter emphasizes the importance of a tax code that reflects the economic realities facing older adults today. (PDF)
L: On May 9, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Senators Rounds (R-SD) and Kelly (D-AZ) endorsing the Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act, which would launch a comprehensive public awareness, education, and consumer literacy campaign to educate consumers about the prevalence of AI in their daily lives. This bill supports AARP’s goals of enhancing the safe adoption of new technologies by older Americans. Empowering older Americans with this information will not only help protect against fraud and abuse but also unlock the positive potential for AI to improve daily tasks. (PDF)
L: On May 9, AARP sent a letter re-endorsing the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (NHIA) which was reintroduced by Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Mark Warner (D-VA). The bipartisan, bicameral bill would create a federal tax credit to build and renovate homes with depressed market values and cap their prices to make them more affordable. NHIA bill would also allow existing homeowners to renovate and stay in their homes. It is estimated that the NHIA could lead to the revitalization of 500,000 homes and create $125 billion in development revenue over 10 years. While 79 percent of older adult households owned their homes in 2022, homeowners at every income level are increasingly challenged by rising costs. (PDF)
L: On May 6, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) endorsing the Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act. This legislation would streamline and improve the assistance provided by the Social Security Administration to individuals whose Social Security number has been stolen or misused. Identity theft and fraud are at an all-time high in the United States, and the range of fraud that can be committed with a stolen Social Security number is truly staggering. In 2024, the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline connected with more than 100,000 people. Fraud related to identity fraud was and continues to be a common theme. In fact, thieves stole a staggering $47 billion through identity fraud in 2024 alone. To make matters worse, victims often face a daunting and frustrating process to reclaim their identity. Streamlining and improving the assistance that the Social Security Administration provides to victims of these crimes will be welcomed by those who are caught in an often-overwhelming situation. (PDF)
L: On May 5, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Mike Carey (R-OH), endorsing the Bonus Tax Relief for America’s Seniors Act. This bipartisan legislation would provide meaningful financial relief to older Americans by increasing the additional standard deduction for taxpayers age 65 and older, which for many would offset some or even all of the federal income tax on Social Security benefits. As Americans age, many find themselves living on fixed incomes while facing rising costs for housing, health care, food, and utilities. The Bonus Tax Relief for America’s Seniors Act would help ease that burden by raising the additional standard deduction for older adults—a targeted and commonsense adjustment that reflects today’s economic realities. The bill also includes annual inflation adjustment to ensure this benefit maintains its value in the years ahead. (PDF)
L: On May 2, 2025, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the Housing Supply Frameworks Act (HSFA), which was reintroduced by Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Mike Crapo (R-ID). The bill will encourage a variety of affordable housing types to meet the demands of today’s older adults and their families by reducing regulatory barriers. The HSFA directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide guidelines and best practices for state and local governments to develop zoning and land use frameworks. Seventy percent of people age 50 and older want to stay in their current home and community for as long as possible. Yet nearly half are not confident that their community will meet their needs as they age. (PDF)
April
L: On Tuesday, April 29, AARP sent a letter to the members of the House Financial Services Committee in advance of their markup of reconciliation measures. In the letter, AARP discourages the House Financial Services Committee from making harmful cuts to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) or serious changes to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) that would impede their important work protecting older Americans. (PDF)
L: On April 28, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Acting Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner, Lee Dudek, thanking him for his response to our questions and reenforcing our commitment to ensuring older Americans can access their hard-earned Social Security and be treated with dignity and respect as they do. We also noted the need for SSA to consider the needs of older Americans as they implement new tools and technologies. Specifically, we encourage them to account for differing levels of comfort with technology, ensure strong safeguards, and communicate clearly about how these changes will be implemented. (PDF)
L: On April 28, 2025, AARP sent a letter endorsing the reintroduced Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA) to bill sponsors Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). The bipartisan bill strengthens and expands the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which leverages private sector investment to build and preserve affordable homes. AHCIA would help build nearly two million new affordable homes over the next decade. Seven million older Americans rent their homes. Over half of these pay roughly a third of their income on housing expenses, and over a third pay more than half of their income on housing expenses. (PDF)
L: On April 23, 2025, AARP endorsed the bipartisan Taskforce for Recognizing and Averting Payment Scams Act (TRAPS Act), which aims to protect older Americans from financial scams. With fraud costing Americans over 60 an estimated $61.5 billion in 2023, this legislation would create a task force to combat digital payment scams. The task force—composed of financial regulators, institutions, and consumer advocates—would analyze fraud trends and develop strategies to enhance protections. (PDF)
L: On April 21, 2025, AARP sent an endorsement letter to Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) regarding the More Homes on the Market Act. The bill would double the capital gains exclusion for the sale of a principal residence, raising it from $250,000 to $500,000 for single filers and from $500,000 to $1 million for joint filers. It would also adjust the exclusion for inflation annually. This would allow more older homeowners to sell their homes without fear of losing critical retirement income, while also increasing the number of single-family homes for sale. (PDF)
L: On April 21, AARP sent a letter to Representatives Nunn (R-IA) and Gottheimer (D-NJ) endorsing the GUARD Act. According to the FTC, an estimated $61.5 billion dollars was stolen from Americans age 60 and over in 2023 and too few of these cases were investigated by law enforcement. This bipartisan legislation will empower state and local law enforcement with federal grants that will allow them to hire staff, train them, and secure specialized software and other tools to improve their capacity to conduct fraud investigations. This will ensure law enforcement have the tools they need to lock up the criminals who victimize America’s seniors. (PDF)
L: On April 21, 20205, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the EITC for Older Workers Act that was reintroduced by Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH) and Danny Davis (D-IL). This bipartisan bill permanently removes the discriminatory upper age cap on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), providing meaningful tax relief to older workers who need to stay in the workforce. (PDF)
L: On April 17, 2025, AARP submitted comments to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in response to their request for comment on issues in the consumer credit card market. In their comment, AARP emphasized the need for fair and transparent financial products for individuals aged 50 and older. Highlighting an increase in credit card debt, particularly among older borrowers, AARP raised concerns about its impact on financial security and retirement. They identified rising expenses, including health and housing costs, as significant contributors to this debt. AARP also discussed the growing use of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options, which often carry risks like additional fees and lack of repayment transparency. They urged the CFPB to enforce regulations protecting older adults from unfair practices in credit cards and BNPL loans to safeguard financial stability for this demographic. (PDF)
L: On April 16, 2025, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act that was reintroduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tedd Budd (R-NC) Reps. Pete Stauber (R-MN). This bipartisan legislation will increase the charitable mileage reimbursement rate from 14 cents per mile to 70 cents per mile to match the current business rate. This will encourage more volunteers to provide rides to older adults for such essentials as health care, food, and medication, especially in rural areas where public transportation is very limited. Over six million adults age 65 and over do not drive. (PDF)
L: On April 10, AARP sent a letter re-endorsing the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (NHIA) Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and John Larson (D-CT). The bipartisan, bicameral bill would create a federal tax credit to build and renovate homes with depressed market values and cap their prices to make them more affordable. NHIA bill would also allow existing homeowners to renovate and stay in their homes. It is estimated that the NHIA could lead to the revitalization of 500,000 homes and create $125 billion in development revenue over 10 years. While 79 percent of older adult households owned their homes in 2022, homeowners at every income level are increasingly challenged by rising costs. (PDF)
L: On April 9, AARP sent a letter endorsing the reintroduced Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act (AHCIA) to bill sponsors Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA). The bipartisan bill strengthens and expands the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which leverages private sector investment to build and preserve affordable homes. AHCIA would help build nearly two million new affordable homes over the next decade. Seven million older Americans rent their homes. Over half of these pay roughly a third of their income on housing expenses, and over a third pay more than half of their income on housing expenses. (PDF)
L: On April 7, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Acting Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner, Lee Dudek, highlighting a growing customer service crisis at the agency impacting older Americans. The letter raises concerns about declining service levels on SSA’s national 1-800 number, frequent website crashes, and long waits at overwhelmed field offices. AARP is particularly concerned about a new phone policy change expected to increase in-person and online visits, likely exacerbating current customer service issues. AARP posed critical questions to the SSA about its website stability, phone and field office capabilities, staffing levels, and communication strategies in relation to their proposed phone service changes. (PDF)
L: On Monday, April 7, AARP sent a letter to Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis, and Representatives Smucker and Sewell, extending our support for the Retirement Savings for Americans Act. Nearly 1 out 4 Americans have no retirement savings and many more are concerned about their financial security in retirement. Data shows that people are 15 times more likely to save for retirement if they have access to a plan through their workplace. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would help more families across the country save for retirement. (Senate-PDF) (House-PDF)
L: On April 3, AARP sent a letter to Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) endorsing the bipartisan Rural Housing Service (RHS) Reform Act (S. 1260), which was reintroduced on April 2. This bill makes several reforms to RHS programs. In particular, it will help keep rural housing affordable when property owners in the Section 515 rural rental program pay off their mortgages, which is happening with greater frequency. The bill also enhances homeownership for Native Americans and makes the home repair program less burdensome. One in five rural residents is age 65 and over. (PDF)
L: On April 1, Kathy Stokes, the Director of Fraud Prevention Programs, AARP Fraud Watch Network, testified before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions at a hearing on “Following the Money: Tools and Techniques to Combat Fraud.” In her testimony she discussed AARP’s efforts to educate about fraud and support victims, including the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline. She emphasized that fraud has become a national security threat driven by the increased role of transnational organized crime groups in committing fraud. She also discussed the importance of improving reporting and triage of fraud reports, improving law enforcement capacity to combat fraud, the tax impact of fraud that some victims face, and different types of fraud that AARP sees. (PDF)
L: On April 1, 2025, AARP sent letters to U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), endorsing the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act. This legislation would make long-overdue updates to the asset limits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to encourage personal savings among SSI beneficiaries, including older Americans and those with disabilities, without the risk of losing their vital benefits. Senate (PDF) House (PDF)
March
C: On Monday, March 31, AARP submitted comments in response to the House Financial Services Committee’s request for “Feedback on Legislative Proposals to Increase Investor Access and Facilitate Capital Formation.” In their letter, AARP highlighted their concerns around the proposed changes to the Accredited Investor definition and the push for electronic delivery of financial disclosures. They urged the Committee to exclude retirement savings from calculations for qualification from the Accredited Investor definition and to adjust the thresholds for inflation. Additionally, AARP emphasized that older adults, who form the largest group of individual investors in the stock market, prefer to receive paper statements and oppose a switch to electronic delivery as the default. (PDF)
L: On Friday, March 28, 2025, AARP endorsed the bipartisan Quashing Unwanted and Interruptive Electronic Telecommunications (QUIET) Act (H.R. 1027), introduced by Reps. Eric Sorensen (D-IL) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ). The QUIET Act mandates transparency from robocallers, requiring them to disclose upfront when artificial intelligence is used to imitate human voices in calls or text messages. Additionally, the legislation doubles financial penalties for those who fraudulently use AI to impersonate individuals, commit fraud, or obtain valuables under false pretenses. (PDF)
L: On March 24, 2025, AARP sent letters to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways & Means Committee urging the committees to exercise their oversight authority, hold hearings, and intervene in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) recent decision to cut certain phone services for Americans. The abrupt change by SSA, which the agency itself warned would cause “service disruption” and “operational strain,” could create significant barriers for older Americans—especially those in rural areas—who rely on phone access to manage their benefits. With already long wait times and staffing shortages, this decision threatens to further erode customer service at SSA and increase confusion. Senate (PDF) House (PDF)
L: On March 19, 2025, AARP sent a letter to the Social Security Administration (SSA) opposing its decision to cut certain phone services for Americans. The abrupt change, which SSA itself warned would cause “service disruption” and “operational strain,” could create significant barriers for older Americans—especially those in rural areas—who rely on phone access to manage their benefits. With already long wait times and staffing shortages, this decision threatens to further erode customer service at SSA and increase confusion. AARP urged SSA to reverse this policy and prioritize addressing its ongoing service challenges. (PDF)
L: On March 14, 2025, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the Whole-Home Repairs Act that Representatives John Fetterman (D-PA) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY ) reintroduced in January. The Whole-Home Repairs Act creates a pilot program that would provide home repair grants and forgivable loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners and small landlords. Millions of older Americans face significant home repair and modification needs due to lack of affordability in retirement, prolonged home occupancy, and declining functional abilities. (PDF)
L: On March 11, 2025, AARP sent endorsement letters to Senators Baldwin (D-WI) and Murray (D-WA) and Representatives Underwood (D-IL) and Norcross (D-NJ), thanking them for introducing the Women’s Retirement Protection Act. The bill prevents the withdrawal of retirement funds by one spouse without the consent of the other, while also boosting access to independent consumer information. The also boosts financial literacy among working and retired women, and will serve as an important tool in helping women across America better secure their financial future. (House-PDF) (Senate-PDF)
C: On March 6, AARP submitted a comment in response to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (Bureau) advance notice of proposed rulemaking on “Fair Credit Reporting Act (Regulation V); Identity Theft and Coerced Debt.” In their comment, AARP expressed support for the Bureau’s efforts to protect older adults from the adverse financial impacts of elder abuse, including identity theft and coerced debt, which is debt caused through threat, force, or fraud. Identity theft and coerced debt have been the most common types of fraud reported to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network helpline for the past two years. These are particularly problematic for older adults, whose income typically decreases after they leave the workforce through retirement, disability, or medical conditions - which greatly limits their ability to recover lost income or to rebuild their credit scores. (PDF)
L: On March 3, AARP submitted a comment in response to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s advance notice of proposed rulemaking on “Protecting Americans from Harmful Data Broker Practices (Regulation V).” In its comment, AARP emphasized the role that data brokers have played in facilitating fraud schemes against older adults and urged the CFPB to put appropriate protections in place regarding the handling of consumer data. (PDF)
February
L: On February 26, 2025, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the Volunteer Driver Tax Appreciation Act that Reps. Pete Stauber (R-MN) and Angie Craig (D-MN) reintroduced. This bipartisan legislation will increase the charitable mileage reimbursement rate from 14 cents per mile to 70 cents per mile to match the current business rate. This will encourage more volunteers to provide rides to older adults for such essentials as health care, food, and medication, especially in rural areas where public transportation is very limited. Over six million adults age 65 and over do not drive. (PDF)
L: On February 24, 2025, AARP sent a letter to Reps. Pettersen (D-CO) and Flood (R-NE) endorsing the Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act. This bipartisan legislation will establish a dedicated task force on AI in financial services, comprising representatives from key financial services regulatory agencies, financial institutions, third-party vendors, and AI experts to explore the use of AI in the financial sector to commit and detect fraud. (PDF)
C: On February 21, 2025, AARP sent a comment letter to the Certified Financial Planner Board (CFP Board) in response to their proposed changes to their Competency Standards for CFP certification. AARP has long fought for enhanced protections for older Americans and other investors, including those that work with CFP professionals. The CFP Board’s proposal updates requirements by adding the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) certification for the Coursework Requirement and requiring experience in at least three steps of the financial planning process. It also strengthens continuing education by increasing the minimum to 40 hours every two years and allowing the CFP Board to mandate specific topics as laws and regulations change. (PDF)
L: On February 20, AARP wrote to the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration to address the concerns of our members and many older Americans regarding potential changes at the Social Security Administration. Many older Americans have expressed concerns about the potential risks to their personal data, delays in receiving their benefits or worsening of the already poor customer service levels at the administration. AARP asked the Commissioner to provide detailed information on the steps being taken to ensure all Americans data will be protected and they are able to access the benefits they have earned through a lifetime of hard work. (PDF)
L: On February 11, 2025, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act that Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) reintroduced to ensure that automakers maintain access to AM radios in their vehicles. AM radio is a critical element of the emergency response system. Older people need all possible channels of communication available to them to ensure their safety in an emergency. AARP commends Reps. Bilirakis and Pallone for their ongoing leadership on this issue. (PDF)
L: On February 6, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the House Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act that Representatives Feenstra (R-IA), Gluesencamp Perez (D-WA) and Bice (R-OK) reintroduced to make the tax credit 45S permanent and increase paid leave coverage. The proposed enhancements to the credit will encourage and enable more employers, and especially small businesses, to provide paid leave to support America’s hardworking family caregivers. (PDF)
L: On February 4, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act that Senator Fischer (R-NE) and Senator King (I-ME) reintroduced to make the tax credit 45S permanent and increase paid leave coverage. The proposed enhancements to the credit will encourage and enable more employers, and especially small businesses, to provide paid leave to support America’s hardworking family caregivers. (PDF)
January
L: On January 29, 2025, AARP sent an endorsement letter for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act that Senator Markey (D-MA) and Senator Cruz (R-TX) reintroduced to ensure that automakers maintain access to AM radios in their vehicles. AM radio is a critical element of the emergency response system. Older people need all possible channels of communication available to them to ensure their safety in an emergency. AARP commends Sens. Markey and Cruz for their ongoing leadership on this issue. (PDF)
L: On January 10, AARP sent a letter to the House bipartisan Paid Leave Working Group thanking them for putting together two legislative concepts to provide paid leave to more workers. More Americans than ever are providing care to both children and older loved ones, and 75% of those caregivers are employed. As America faces a workforce crisis, Congress must implement solutions that empower this dedicated group of workers to meet the demands of work and family responsibility. That is why AARP urged the working group to consider including family caregivers in their paid leave policies. Helping unpaid family caregivers remain in the workforce helps strengthen families, grow the economy, and reduces financial burdens placed on taxpayers. (PDF)
