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Kucinich Contact: Nathan White (202)225-5871


Kucinich Links Afghanistan to Social Security and Medicare


Stop the Wars and Military Expansions. Start Taking Care of our Seniors. Save Social Security and Medicare.


Washington, Nov 10 -

Following news that the Chairmen of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform are expected to make recommendations in an upcoming report to raise the retirement age for Social Security and cut Medicare benefits, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) made the following statement:




“For millions of older Americans, every day gets a little harder. Even though the costs of medication, transportation, and utilities are rising, we have already denied seniors a modest Cost of Living Adjustment to their Social Security payments for two years. The war in Afghanistan costs the taxpayers $190 million PER DAY. We will continue to spend $1.3 billion every week on war in Afghanistan for the indefinite future while we force our seniors to make tough choices between their medications and their food; their rent and their heat; their phone and gas for their car. 




“People are depending on the government to keep their commitment to care for our senior citizens; a commitment made each time the government withdraws money from their paychecks for Social Security and Medicare. How can we continue to spend the people’s blood and treasure overseas when so much is needed at home? Are we addicted to war? Fiscal discipline begins with ending fiscally irresponsible wars. The new Congress must move swiftly to set priorities.




“It is totally unacceptable to deny seniors their promised benefits. If we have enough to wage war, we have enough to take care of our seniors. Robbing their Social Security and Medicare accounts is not the answer to our financial crisis. The Obama Administration must oppose any attempts to raise the retirement age or reduce Medicare benefits.  Three and a half million seniors are already under the poverty level.  The myth that raising the retirement age will result in an increase of benefits is patently false - raising the retirement age will only result in cuts across the board for all retirees.  




“The American people have demanded an end to the wars and protection of their retirement security.  Instead, we are considering undermining retirement security in an attempt to help maintain and expand the wars.  We must commit to our solemn promise to our seniors. We must do better,” said Kucinich.










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