Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Annie Kuster (D-NH) and Bryan Steil (R-WI) announced the creation of the 21st Century Long-Term Care Caucus. This new, bipartisan caucus will bring together members from both parties to identify and address long-term care in the United States and implement solutions to ensure our nation’s patients and their families have the support they need.

“I’m pleased to join my colleague Congressman Bryan Steil of Wisconsin in forming the 21st Century Long-Term Care Caucus — together, we will work to identify and implement solutions to issues facing the long-term care sector and patient community,” said Rep. Kuster (NH-02). “The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated and pulled back the curtain on existing challenges, and now we have an opportunity to make meaningful changes to strengthen our nation’s long-term care workforce, enhance the quality of care, and encourage new and innovative care options. In my personal experience caring for my mother as she struggled with Alzheimer’s and as a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I have seen how the challenges of aging and caring for older adults are particularly difficult, and I look forward to working across the aisle to lift up this critical issue.”

“The 21st Century Long-Term Care Caucus is focused on ensuring our seniors are receiving the best care in our long-term care facilities. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Annie Kuster in launching this caucus,” said Rep. Bryan Steil (WI-01). “The COVID-19 pandemic has shined an important light on the challenges our long-term care facilities are facing. In Wisconsin, I saw this firsthand when family members raised concerns about the state-run Veterans Home at Union Grove. Later, it was uncovered the facility was having far more challenges. Our seniors and veterans deserve the best quality of care possible. I look forward to identifying policy solutions we can implement to ensure our seniors have the support and resources they need.”

“We thank Congressman Steil and Congresswoman Kuster for creating and leading this important caucus that will be critical in helping our residents and staff receive the support they need and deserve,” said Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). “Now more than ever, the long term care sector needs the attention of policymakers, and we look forward to working with Representative Steil and Kuster to improve the millions of lives we care for every day.” 

The 21st Century Long-Term Care Caucus is a solution-focused coalition of members working to put partisan politics aside to deliver real solutions for our nation’s long-term care providers and patients. The caucus will host regular meetings with members and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and advance legislation to make a real difference for our communities. 

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