There can be no doubt that the 119th Congress (2025-2026) will be making historic spending decisions under growing pressure to reduce the national debt, caused in large part by the first Trump Administration — GOP tax cuts for the wealthy and huge corporations and by the anticipated effort next year to extend them. At the same time, special interests and political forces will be lobbying hard for federal dollars to fund their priorities.

The outcome of the November election has made it clear that Social Security and Medicare will remain the target of powerful fiscal hawks in Congress and the incoming Trump Administration who want nothing more than to slash and radically change these hugely popular and effective programs.

That’s why the National Committee is urging you to sign our Petition to Congress today to make sure your elected representatives hear from the true stakeholders in Social Security and Medicare.

In the many years I’ve spent with the National Committee battling to protect these essential programs, I cannot remember a more challenging time for earned benefit programs. There can be no doubt that an agenda to slash earned benefits and cut the essential Social Security and Medicare services relied upon by millions of older Americans and their families, continues to move forward.

Yet, at the same time, we have champions of Social Security and Medicare in Congress who understand that these programs need to be protected — especially for the growing share of retirees who will depend on their earned benefits for most of their income security in retirement.

It’s time for Congress to understand the political consequences of attacking our earned benefits! Please sign our Petition to Congress to ensure your voice is heard in Washington on the critical nature of Social Security and Medicare.

Sincerely,

Max Richtman

President & CEO