Progressive lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have introduced resolutions to oppose cutting Social Security benefits, now that it has been brought to the debt ceiling negotiating table. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) introduced H.Con.Res. 64, "Expressing the sense of Congress that Social Security benefits should not be reduced," along with 21 additional cosponsors. The meat of it:
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),That it is the sense of Congress that appropriate reform to strengthen Social Security's long-term outlook should happen in a bipartisan fashion and should ensure that Social Security remains a critical source of protection for the people of the United States and their families without further increasing the retirement age or otherwise decreasing benefits.
In the Senate, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Al Franken (D-MN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), introduced their version of the legislation, but adds in Medicare: "Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that any agreement to reduce the budget deficit should not include cuts to Social Security benefits or Medicare benefits."
?While we should always be open to improving these vital programs, we must not cut the benefits our seniors and disabled Americans have earned and rely upon,? said Whitehouse. ?And so I hope that my colleagues will join me on this resolution to protect the promise we have made to our Nation?s seniors through Social Security and Medicare.??We all want to leave this nation?s fiscal house in good order for our children and grandchildren. We can and must do so in a way that is fair to their grandparents as well,? said Brown.
?We must find a path forward that creates jobs now, strengthens our economy for the long-term and reduces the deficit without putting the burden on our seniors or middle class families. American families have been hit hard enough by this recession without undermining Social Security and Medicare. We can fix our economy, including lowering our deficits, without breaking the promise we have made to all Americans, and preserve these hard-earned benefits for current and future generations,? said Merkley.
?Social Security and Medicare provide a safety net for families all over Minnesota and allow our retirees to age with dignity,? said Franken. ?Trying to reduce the deficit by cutting vital programs like these is irresponsible and illogical and I'll fight any cuts to the benefits Minnesotans depend on."
?We must keep faith with the millions of Americans who have paid and earned Social Security and Medicare benefits. At a time when people in Connecticut and across the country continue to struggle in this difficult economy, these critically important programs should not be in peril as part of negotiations on the debt ceiling,? said Blumenthal. ?We must cut the deficit and debt and put our fiscal house in order, but we cannot violate sacred promises we have made to our most vulnerable citizens.?
These would not be binding resolutions even if they were to reach their respective floors for votes and be passed. But what they do represent are markers for Congressional opposition to benefits cuts in these critical programs, should the debt ceiling legislation include them. We've seen progressives get rolled before on key votes (public option, tax deal), but Social Security and Medicare are bedrock, foundational programs for the Democratic party. Protecting them is also key to electoral success (Rep. Kathy Hochul, anyone?). Getting significant numbers of signatories on these bills might send a message to the White House that these are votes that should not be taken for granted. If you have a Democratic representative and/or senators, call them. Ask them to sign on.
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