John,

The House of Representatives is in chaos.

After Kevin McCarthy allowed a 47-day government funding bill to pass with mostly Democratic votes, his caucus ousted him as Speaker of the House. More of them voted to create a death panel for Social Security and Medicare than voted to fund the government.

Now, there is no Speaker of the House. Until there is, there’s no deal possible to keep the government open past November 17th. The clock is ticking―but one thing that seems certain is that the Republican who replaces McCarthy will be even more beholden to the MAGA Chaos Caucus than even McCarthy was.

We can’t let our Social Security and Medicare benefits be a bargaining chip. Send a message to Congress: Hands off Social Security and Medicare!

Closed-door commissions present politicians with an appealing ‘out’ during fiscal battles. It’s a way to signal seriousness about taking on government spending without taking any specific positions. But let’s be clear: There’s a reason the White House called these commissions ‘death panels for Medicare and Social Security.’

Ever since popular resistance stopped President George W. Bush’s plan to privatize Social Security, the Wall Street-funded groups who organize against our Social Security system have sought to hide their true agenda from the people. They figure that they can drag Social Security and Medicare behind closed doors, slash them to ribbons, and escape before anyone can assign blame.

The best way to stop a closed-door commission is before it’s ever empaneled. That’s why we’re working hard to keep Democrats united against it, and warn Republican politicians that they’ll pay a price for supporting them.

Sign now: tell Washington Politicians: Hands Off Social Security!

In solidarity,

Michael Phelan
Social Security Works