As Congress and the new Administration begin setting their legislative agenda for the 115th Congress, legislators should be especially watchful for proposals that would cut or weaken our Social Security system. The American people did not vote for cuts to Social Security, and lawmakers should ensure that its vital protections are maintained. Any cuts to benefits or changes that alter the fundamental promises of these programs to the American people cannot be accepted. Members of Congress should continue to fight against well-known threats to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), including proposals that would raise the retirement age, reduce cost-of-living adjustments through the chained CPI, means-test benefits, or otherwise cut benefits. Finally, they should watch for lesser-known proposals that would cut benefits or weaken our Social Security system. Some of these lesser-known proposals, previously attempted by Social Security opponents in recent years, are explained in this fact sheet.
Policies that would Cut Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)