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Hi,
Republicans are one seat away from taking control of the House of Representatives in January.
And the minute they take over, they will launch their plan to force deep cuts to Social Security by refusing to raise the debt ceiling and threatening to force the federal government into default.1
There's only one sure way for Democrats to ensure that Social Security is protected for the long term: Act now, before Republicans take over, to eliminate the debt ceiling once and for all.
Demand Progress Action has been campaigning to eliminate the debt ceiling and protect Social Security for months. But with Republicans getting ready to hold the global economy hostage once their majority is sworn in, this could be our last chance to get it done.
Millions of Americans depend on Social Security to survive. It would be especially cruel to cut seniors' benefits now, given the recent rise in inflation.
But Republicans have opposed Social Security literally since it was created. Ronald Reagan wanted to make it voluntary.2 George W. Bush tried to privatize it.3 Now Kevin McCarthy is threatening to force deep cuts by blocking must-pass legislation to raise the debt ceiling.
That's why we must get rid of the debt ceiling once and for all.
The debt ceiling serves no purpose except to give Republicans leverage to force unpopular spending cuts. They did it under President Obama and President Clinton, and now they will do it to President Biden, unless Democrats get rid of the debt ceiling before Republicans take control of the House.4
But President Biden — amazingly — appears hesitant to get rid of the debt limit.5 So Demand Progress Action is turning up the heat on Biden and congressional Democrats to act now to save Social Security and eliminate the debt ceiling.
With gratitude for all you do,
Tihi and the team at Demand Progress Action
Sources:
1. The New York Times, "Republicans, Eyeing Majority, Float Changes to Social Security and Medicare," November 2, 2022.
2. History News Network, "When Did Social Security Become the Third Rail of American Politics?," accessed November 15, 2022.
3. Center for American Progress, "Primer on President Bush’s “Plan” for Social Security Privatization," May 5, 2005.
4. NBC News, "How Republicans weaponized the debt ceiling," October 14, 2013.
5. Politico, "The calamity around the corner," October 25, 2022.
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