A New Social Security Death Panel | by Guest Columnist Al Norman. The new Speaker of the U.S. House, Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, has sparked concern among millions of Americans with his inaugural speech addressing the future of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, commonly referred to as budget “entitlements.”

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This article delves into the implications of his statements and the proposed bipartisan debt commission.

Rep. Johnson Warning on Government Spending

In his speech, Speaker Johnson emphasized the need to curb government spending, deeming it “unsustainable” and stressing the urgency of putting the country back on track. He announced plans to establish a bipartisan debt commission to address the fiscal crisis promptly.

Social Security Works Response

Alex Lawson, the executive director of Social Security Works, reacted swiftly on social media, highlighting Rep. Johnson’s history of hostility towards Social Security and Medicare.

Lawson cited Johnson’s past involvement in budgets that included significant cuts to Medicare and Social Security, raising concerns about the impact on benefits and the potential move towards privatization.

Social Security Advocates Opposition

Social Security Works organized a letter signed by 100 elderly rights groups, arguing that Social Security is self-funded, does not contribute to the deficit, and cannot function without sufficient revenue. The advocates expressed skepticism about the proposed bipartisan debt commission, emphasizing the need for transparency in decision-making.

Historical Precedents and Concerns

The article draws parallels with past bipartisan commissions, such as the Greenspan Commission and the Bowles-Simpson Commission, which proposed changes to Social Security. It also mentions previous attempts, like Sen. Mitt Romney’s bill, to create bipartisan panels to review Social Security and Medicare finances, emphasizing that these proposals were not enacted.

President Biden Assurance

President Joe Biden commitment to protecting Social Security and Medicare is highlighted, with a specific mention in his 2023 State of the Union Speech. The article quotes Biden vowing to veto any attempts to cut these benefits and emphasizing their importance to millions of seniors.

Congressional Skepticism

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern expressed skepticism about the need for a bipartisan commission, arguing that Congress is already a bipartisan forum capable of making such decisions. McGovern urged his colleagues to focus on addressing the national debt through measures such as making the ultra-rich pay their fair share.

The Way Forward

The article concludes by urging readers to voice their concerns to Congress members, emphasizing the potential consequences of Social Security benefit cuts and advocating for the addition of revenue to Social Security while holding representatives accountable for their promises to retirees.

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Conclusion

As debates over Social Security intensify, citizens must vigilantly engage with policymakers, holding them accountable for promises made to retirees. With the specter of benefit cuts looming, active participation is essential to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable seniors.