House, Senate liberals introduce resolutions to protect Social Security [View All]

Joan McCarter for Daily Kos
Tue Jul 12, 2011 at 02:45 PM PDT

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.”

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