Hi,

Last week, the U.S. government officially hit the debt ceiling. Unless the
government acts to address the crisis soon, the U.S. will go into default,
sending the entire country into an economic tailspin.^1

But Republicans are refusing to take action unless Democrats agree to
deeply unpopular and destructive cuts to Social Security. They’re
effectively taking the economy hostage and demanding cuts to Social
Security and Medicare as ransom.^2

Worse yet, Democratic Senator Joe Manchin — who wants to create an
independent commission to recommend cuts to Social Security — has begun
his own private negotiations with Kevin McCarthy.^3

We've already mobilized tens of thousands of people to contact Congress to
demand action on the debt ceiling, and now we must triple down on our
efforts. We're counting on grassroots supporters like you to help make it
possible.

[ [link removed] ]Will you make a donation to Demand Progress Action to support our work,
including our campaign to save Social Security and Medicare?

[ [link removed] ]Donate $10

[ [link removed] ]Donate $20

[ [link removed] ]Donate $40

[ [link removed] ]Or, donate another amount

Some Republicans have proposed raising the retirement age to 70. Others
want to privatize it. Rick Scott, the head of the National Republican
Senatorial Committee, wants to automatically sunset the program after five
years.^4

The 66 million Americans who rely on Social Security would suffer the
consequences.

It’s economic terrorism. It’s a heartless affront to the millions of
people who rely on these programs to survive. And we can’t let them get
away with it.

That’s why we must turn up the heat on Congress and the Biden
administration, demanding that they stop playing games with people’s
lives.

[ [link removed] ]Will you donate $10 to Demand Progress Action to support
our work, including our efforts to save Social Security and Medicare?

With gratitude for all that you do,

Tihi and the team at Demand Progress Action

[ [link removed] ]DONATE

Sources:
1. CNBC, "Yellen says Treasury is taking extraordinary measures to avoid
default as U.S. hits debt limit," [ [link removed] ]January 19, 2023.
2. Common Dreams, "Critics Rip 'MAGA Extremists' Over Plan to Hike Social
Security Retirement Age to 70," [ [link removed] ]January 24, 2023.
3. Bloomberg, "Manchin Wants Deal With Republicans on Debt Ceiling, Fiscal
Commission," [ [link removed] ]January 18, 2023.
4. The Washington Post, "House GOP eyes Social Security, Medicare amid
spending battle," [ [link removed] ]January 24, 2023.
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