Schakowsky, Gallego and 69 Other House Democrats Sign Letter Refusing to Vote For Any Budget Deal That Cuts Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security Benefits
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) released a letter signed by 69 other Members to House Leadership refusing to sign any budget deal that includes cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Because of the commitment of these Members the budget agreement that was introduced this week does not contain harmful benefit cuts. Below is the joint release issued by Representatives Schakowsky and Gallego vowing to protect these vital programs against future efforts to cut benefits:
“Passing a long-term budget should not come at the expense of a secure retirement. Millions of hard-working Americans have worked for years under the promise that these benefits they earned and paid for would be there for them when they retired,” said Rep. Schakowsky (IL-09). “Today’s agreement is not the perfect agreement, but because of our efforts there are no cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits. We prevented cuts today, but we know that under the leadership of Paul Ryan that House Republicans will only continue their efforts to slice Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefits. I am proud to join today with my colleague Ruben Gallego and over 60 other Members in announcing to House leadership that we remain firmly committed in our continued defense of these vital benefits.”
“Our budget should strengthen – not undermine – America’s social safety net,” said Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07). “I am extremely proud that more than 60 Democrats came together to stand up for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. This show of strength helped preserve critical benefits for working families, seniors, veterans, and Americans with disabilities in the budget deal. These vital programs are clearly in the cross-hairs of incoming Speaker Ryan, but Democrats remain committed to protecting them on behalf of the American people.”