Schakowsky, Larson Lead 116 House Democrats Opposing Commissions Aimed at Cutting Social Security
WASHIGNTON – U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and John B. Larson (CT-01) just led 116 House Democrats in a letter to House Leadership opposing the creation of a fast-track commission designed to slash Social Security.
“Fiscal Commission legislation currently under consideration by the House Committee on Budget would create a process in which legislating would be done by a small group of individuals behind closed doors,” the members wrote. “The goal of these commissions would be to produce legislation that cuts benefits and calls for an up or down vote without hearings, and that is unamendable. This is not a simple debate over process.
“There is no shortage of legislation that will improve the fiscal standing of the United States while directly benefiting the public. Democratic proposals include legislation that would extend Social Security’s solvency for another generation while expanding benefits the American people rely on – benefits that haven’t been expanded in more than 50 years. It is Congress’s responsibility to conduct the oversight and recommend enhancements to solvency or cuts, and it should be done in the open and not behind closed doors,” the members continued.
“Republicans are not serious about the deficit. They are not even serious about governing. They are serious about only one thing, and that is ripping away Social Security from seniors behind closed doors. A so-called fiscal commission would fast-track cuts to vital benefits Americans rely on. Social Security benefits are already modest – only about $21,384 a year, yet Republicans want to put these hard-earned benefits at risk. We must expand Social Security benefits, not cut them,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “Over a decade ago, I served on the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, better known as the Simpson-Bowles Commission. That commission failed, but not before its co-chairs tried to make deep cuts to the American people’s hard-earned Social Security and Medicare benefits. We cannot allow Republicans to dig up an old playbook and create a new commission modeled after Simpson-Bowles. My fellow Democrats and I stand ready to address our deficit and preserve the future of Social Security so Americans relying on this crucial program can live with dignity and respect.”
“We cannot allow House Republicans to ram through their closed-door commission that is designed to fast-track cuts to the benefits hard-working Americans rely on, like Social Security. If they want to have debates about policy that directly impacts the lives and livelihoods of Americans families, we should have these discussions out in the open for our constituents to see and be a part of,” said Congressman John B. Larson. “I will continue to work with my Democratic colleagues to safeguard the earned benefits our nation’s families and seniors. Instead of imposing unpopular benefit cuts on the American people behind closed doors, we should work together to enhance benefits and prevent devastating cuts.”
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