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Intact...for now
We've come together over the past several weeks to declare loudly and clearly: cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits should be off the table in the federal debt ceiling negotiations.
As things stand right now -- thanks to our persistent and public rejection of benefit cuts -- the most viable proposal currently under consideration to raise the debt ceiling leaves Social Security and Medicare benefits intact.
That plan, put forth by Majority Leader Reid over the weekend, is far from perfect. But it serves as the best foundation of a final deal, and we've got to make sure Social Security and Medicare benefit cuts remain off the table, through and through.
Speaker Boehner wants to force another vote on the debt ceiling early next year, a Republican strategy to force unpopular Social Security and Medicare benefit cuts on the American people -- or once again risk catastrophic default.
I firmly oppose such a temporary extension. And all those involved in the negotiations need to know that trading Social Security and Medicare benefit cuts for a longer term debt ceiling extension would be unconscionable -- and unacceptable to the American people.
President Obama urged the nation in his prime time address on Monday night, "If you want a balanced approach to reducing the deficit, let your member of Congress know." So as you talk to others, make sure they know that a "balanced approach" for you also means absolutely no cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Together we must hold the line against any cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Sincerely,
Sheldon Whitehouse
U.S. Senator