We need to maintain a strong and viable Social Security and Medicare program for our seniors. My parents are on Medicare, so I understand firsthand that our nation’s seniors rely on the promises that were made to them for their future health care and retirement security.  For far too long, politicians have failed to be honest about the fiscal state of Medicare and Social Security, and this false sense of security is putting the health and retirement of all Americans at risk. The fact is, rising health care costs and an aging population are threatening to bankrupt these vital programs. Doing nothing is not an option. In order to ensure that Medicare and Social Security remain viable for both today and tomorrow’s seniors, I believe we need to preserve these programs for those in or near retirement and reform them for younger generations by increasing competition and empowering individuals to have more control over their care.