FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Contact: Linda Benesch, lbenesc
House Republicans Are Advancing a Poison Pill Commission Designed to Slash Social Security
(Washington, DC) — Today, the Republican leadership of the House Budget Committee announced that they will hold a markup on the so-called “Fiscal Commission Act of 2023” this Thursday at 10am.
The following is a statement from Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works:
“This commission is a poison pill designed to slash Social Security and Medicare behind closed doors. The White House has accurately stated that such a commission is a ‘death panel for Medicare and Social Security.’ House Republicans are rushing to advance the commission so that they can jam it through as a condition of keeping the government funded.
Democratic leadership should respond that our earned benefits are non-negotiable, and that they will not accept a commission under any circumstances. Instead, any legislation on Social Security should go through regular order so that Congress can debate it in the sunlight.”
Those opposed to the commission include:
- Voters, including Republican voters
- 116 House Democrats led by Reps. John Larson (D-CT) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
- The White House
- Over 100 organizations, including labor unions and advocates for seniors, women, and people with disabilities
- Former staff members of the 1983 Greenspan Commission, including individuals who worked for both Democrats and Republicans
- AARP
###