John –

When congressional Republicans say they want to cut "entitlements," what they mean is defunding your Social Security.

The Trump administration and Republican leadership plan to fire thousands of Social Security Administration workers, close dozens of field offices, and even shut down their toll-free helpline – and now they have more power than ever to do it.

It's failure by design.

Let's be clear about why they want to do it: Slashing Social Security benefits means they can hand massive tax cuts to their wealthy friends.

So, I'm stepping up to do something about it.

I've introduced the Social Security Expansion Act, a commonsense fix to a simple problem. My act will expand benefits by an extra $2,400 per year and ensure that Social Security is funded and solvent for the next 75 years – all by applying the Social Security payroll tax on all income above $250,000.

For the past 80 years, Social Security has lifted millions of seniors out of poverty, supported the disabled and children or spouses who lost their loved ones, and provided the backbone for dignity and security for all. If we pass this bill, it will be safe and secure for another 80.

Never let congressional Republicans fool you into thinking this is an "entitlement program" – American workers pay into it for their entire working lives, and we're going to make sure it's there for our children when they need it.

Last week, I headed out for a town hall with former Rep. Peter DeFazio and Max Richtman, President of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, to talk about the Social Security Expansion Act and our larger fight to stand up for each other. Hundreds of Oregonians showed up to make their voices heard and learn how to join this fight to save our Social Security.

Remember: Republicans in charge will go as far as we let them, so what we do right now can make all the difference. If you're ready to fight for Social Security, chip in what you can and I'll see you out there.

Val