Senator Announces Expanded Efforts to Combat Elder Fraud and Abuse in Florida
July 30, 2025 | Aging (Special), Special, Select and Other Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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Under the bright lights of a government meeting room, discussions unfolded about a pressing issue that affects millions of Americans: elder abuse and neglect. The U.S. Aging (Special) Committee convened on July 30, 2025, to address the alarming rise in fraud and scams targeting seniors, particularly in states like Florida, which boasts a large and vibrant senior population.
One of the key voices in the meeting was a U.S. senator who has long championed the fight against fraud. He recalled his efforts as Florida's governor and later as a senator, emphasizing the importance of protecting seniors from deceptive practices. "Combatting abuse and neglect by stopping fraud and scams is important work for seniors across the country," he stated, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
The senator pointed to the TRACE Act, legislation he fought to enact shortly after taking office in 2018. This law aims to combat abusive robocalls, a common source of fraud that disproportionately affects older adults. The TRACE Act empowers regulators to take action against scammers, increases penalties for violators, and promotes technology to block unwanted calls. "Put simply, the TRACE Act protects Americans, especially our seniors, from abusive robocalls," he explained, noting its signing into law by President Trump in 2019 as a significant victory.
Despite these efforts, the senator acknowledged that victimization continues, urging a comprehensive approach to tackle the issue. "We need an all hands on deck approach at the local, state, and federal levels to protect our seniors," he asserted. This includes ongoing support for training programs that educate caregivers and community members on recognizing signs of physical, mental, and financial abuse.
Moreover, the senator called for the development of proactive programs aimed at preventing elder abuse and neglect before it occurs. He stressed the importance of local and state initiatives that can effectively address these challenges in communities across the nation.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the fight against elder abuse and neglect requires a united front. With the commitment of lawmakers, community leaders, and advocates, there is hope for a future where seniors can live free from fear of fraud and abuse, ensuring their dignity and safety in their golden years.
One of the key voices in the meeting was a U.S. senator who has long championed the fight against fraud. He recalled his efforts as Florida's governor and later as a senator, emphasizing the importance of protecting seniors from deceptive practices. "Combatting abuse and neglect by stopping fraud and scams is important work for seniors across the country," he stated, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
The senator pointed to the TRACE Act, legislation he fought to enact shortly after taking office in 2018. This law aims to combat abusive robocalls, a common source of fraud that disproportionately affects older adults. The TRACE Act empowers regulators to take action against scammers, increases penalties for violators, and promotes technology to block unwanted calls. "Put simply, the TRACE Act protects Americans, especially our seniors, from abusive robocalls," he explained, noting its signing into law by President Trump in 2019 as a significant victory.
Despite these efforts, the senator acknowledged that victimization continues, urging a comprehensive approach to tackle the issue. "We need an all hands on deck approach at the local, state, and federal levels to protect our seniors," he asserted. This includes ongoing support for training programs that educate caregivers and community members on recognizing signs of physical, mental, and financial abuse.
Moreover, the senator called for the development of proactive programs aimed at preventing elder abuse and neglect before it occurs. He stressed the importance of local and state initiatives that can effectively address these challenges in communities across the nation.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the fight against elder abuse and neglect requires a united front. With the commitment of lawmakers, community leaders, and advocates, there is hope for a future where seniors can live free from fear of fraud and abuse, ensuring their dignity and safety in their golden years.
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