Senate Special Committee on Aging

The Senate Special Committee on Aging is a permanent committee established in 1961 that focuses on issues affecting older Americans. Unlike regular standing committees, it has no legislative authority and cannot report bills to the Senate floor. Instead, it conducts ongoing studies and investigations into matters related to aging, including healthcare, retirement income, employment, housing, and long-term care. The committee also conducts oversight of major programs like Medicare, Social Security, and the Older Americans Act, and regularly submits findings and recommendations to the Senate.

The committee operates as a committee of the whole without permanent subcommittees, though it can establish temporary subcommittees by majority vote. Bills are not referred to this committee for legislative action. Rather, it holds hearings, investigates issues, and publishes reports and educational materials. The committee also operates a toll-free fraud hotline to assist seniors and families victimized by scams.

Chairman Rick Scott (R-FL) leads the committee, with Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) representing the Democratic minority. Recent committee activity has focused on elder fraud and financial exploitation, elder abuse and neglect, aging farm workers, disaster preparedness for seniors, antisemitism affecting older Americans, and employment opportunities for older workers. In early 2026, Chairman Scott announced the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act, which would remove restrictions on earnings for seniors claiming Social Security benefits.

Since its establishment, the committee has played an influential role in drawing attention to senior issues and has contributed to the passage of major legislation including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act. The committee continues to serve as a focal point in the Senate for discussion and debate on aging-related matters.