Insider’s Report: Congress seeks political cover to cut seniors’ earned benefits

Prior to the committee’s vote, the National Committee sent a letter to members of the House Budget Committee urging them to oppose the “Fiscal Commission Act.” This bill is designed to rush the Commission’s recommendations, which would inevitably prioritize deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare, through Congress so they can be enacted before the American people have a chance to study them and understand how they would be affected.

The bill’s goal of avoiding political accountability is made clear as H.R. 5779 prohibits the issuance of the Commission’s recommendations prior to election day and provides that the ensuing legislation would come to the floor during the lame-duck Congress. In this scenario, lawmakers who are retiring at the end of the year or were voted out of Congress could vote to cut American’s earned benefits — without having to face voters again.

The Biden Administration views these commissions as “death panels" for Social Security and Medicare. We urge all House members who claim to champion these vital programs for seniors to reject the Fiscal Commission Act.

Please help us stop this benefit-cutting commission dead in its tracks by signing our Emergency Petition to Congress today! 

House committee advances bill that could lead to Social Security cuts, critics say

"A fiscal commission is designed to give individual members of Congress political cover for cutting Americans' earned benefits," said Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. (January 19, 2024, Pensions & Investments, Courtney Degen)

Read Here →

House Panel Advances Bill to 'Fast Track' Social Security Cuts

Max Richtman, president and CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, said that a fiscal commission “is designed to give individual members of Congress political cover for cutting benefits. This bill should be opposed by any member of Congress who cares about Social Security, Medicare, and their constituents who depend on them.” (January 18, 2024, Think Advisor, Melanie Waddell)

Read Here →

Republicans' Plan to Cut Social Security Sparks Fierce Backlash

"The term 'fiscal commission' is the ultimate Washington buzzword, and it translates to trading away Americans' earned benefits," said Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). This perspective is shared by advocacy groups like the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and AARP, which argue for regular legislative processes over the commission's expedited approach. (January 19, 2024, Newsweek, Alexander Fabino)

Read Here →

Ageism Part 2: The Weaponization of Age in Politics

Demographer Jay Olshansky debunks claims that Joe Biden is "too old" to be president. But pundits and politicians like Nikki Haley continue to peddle the falsehood that chronological age is a disqualifying factor for holding high office.  (January 22, 2024, the National Committee’s “YOU EARNED THIS” Podcast)

Listen Here →

Fmr. Acting Social Security Commissioner Resigns from NCPSSM Board Accepts Leadership Role at SSA

National Committee board member Carolyn Colvin has resigned her position to accept a new role as Senior Advisor to the Commissioner at the Social Security Administration. As a former acting commissioner of Social Security under President Obama, Carolyn brings a wealth of experience to assist the new SSA chief, Martin O’Malley, as he strives to improve customer service at the agency. (January 17, 2024, www.ncpssm.org, National Committee Press Release)

Read More →

CMS finalizes long-awaited prior authorization rule for Medicare Advantage

A new rule on Medicare Advantage prior authorization finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Wednesday suggests good news for providers and Medicare recipients. (January 18, 2024, McKnights, Jose Henreckson)

Read More →