John,

Congressional Republicans are ready to wreck the U.S. economy unless President Biden agrees to cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits.[1] They are signaling that they will not agree to raise the U.S. debt ceiling, which simply allows the U.S. to pay our existing debts, unless Democrats come to the table and negotiate cuts to these critical programs.

Republicans know that this is a reckless move that could result in the United States, for the first time in our history, defaulting on our debts.

Let’s be clear: failure to increase the debt ceiling would do absolutely nothing to reduce the underlying causes of our national debt, which has exploded thanks to the trillion-dollar tax cuts for the rich that the GOP rammed through under the Bush and Trump presidencies. It would simply force the United States to default on its existing loans and payments, while causing economic pain for millions of Americans.

The only way we can defeat these attacks is by demanding lawmakers stay united and refuse to cut Social Security or Medicare benefits today and in the future.

Join Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund and our national allies in demanding members of Congress take the pledge to never cut Social Security or Medicare benefits under any circumstances. We must not give in to Republican hostage takers!

If the debt ceiling is not raised, the federal government would not be able to pay the bills it has already committed to—meaning that millions of Social Security payments wouldn’t be made on time, millions of Americans on food assistance would see their benefits suspended, and U.S. military and civilian employees wouldn’t get paid.[2]

Congressional Republicans tying Social Security to the debt ceiling increase is disingenuous because Social Security doesn’t add a penny to the country’s debt since it’s independently funded by the payroll tax. Cutting Social Security and Medicare benefits is simply part of a right-wing ideology that seeks to cut critical programs for working people, seniors, and the poor to help pay for tax cuts mostly for the rich and corporations.

Add your name and demand members of Congress take the pledge to never vote for cuts to Social Security or Medicare benefits, now or in the future.

We know that when the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share, we can afford to expand, not cut, the earned benefits of millions of Americans.

Thank you,

Frank Clemente
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund

[1] “House GOP eyes Social Security, Medicare amid spending battle,” The Washington Post, Jan. 24, 2023
[2] “What happens if Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling? What you need to know about the showdown between Democrats and Republicans,” CBS News, Sept. 22, 2021