Seniors

Social Security has helped to lift millions of seniors out of poverty, while Medicare has improved their access to life-saving treatments.  Congress has a duty to improve these programs for Americans who have paid into them throughout their careers. 

The Social Security and Medicare Trustees explain that:  “Though highly challenging, the financial difficulties facing Social Security and Medicare are not insurmountable. We must, however, take action to address them in a timely manner. The sooner these challenges are addressed, the more varied and less disruptive their solutions can be.”

House and Senate leaders from both parties recently served on the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.  Their report warned:  “By 2025 revenue will be able to finance only interest payments, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.  Every other federal government activity - from national defense and homeland security to transportation and energy - will have to be paid for with borrowed money. Debt held by the public will outstrip the entire American economy, growing to as much as 185 percent of GDP by 2035.  Interest on the debt could rise to nearly $1 trillion by 2020.”

We must work together on realistic solutions to ensure Social Security and Medicare remain reliable programs for older Americans.  Congress should consider concrete plans that would protect seniors’ access to needed care and retirement security.  We need to do this without passing crushing debt to our grandchildren or destroying American competitiveness.  Instead of merely ignoring the problem, advocacy groups opposing the Commission’s proposal should come to the table with their own specific plans shown to achieve these goals.  As a Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I will continue working hard on this problem. 

I am always eager to hear from my constituents.  If you would like to speak with my staff about entitlement reform, and Medicare or Social Security legislation, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-2031.