Larson Blasts Trump Meddling at the Bureau of Labor Statistics

East Hartford, CT – Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after President Trump fired the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Erika McEntarfer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data for the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for seniors on Social Security.  

“After the Bureau of Labor Statistics put out a monthly jobs report that made his administration look weak, the President said the numbers were fake and fired the person in charge," said Larson. "Seniors should be aware that the Bureau’s data is what determines the annual cost of living adjustment for Social Security benefits. If Trump is willing to enact retribution over a jobs report, he will continue to interfere with this data as costs rise. It is beyond alarming to think that seniors may see a smaller COLA because their President refuses to tell the truth about inflation. Trump may have promised a booming economy, but Americans are struggling with the rising cost of living. We need a COLA that meets their needs – not doctored data to feed Trump’s ego. Democrats stand united against these abuses of power and are moving forward with a plan that lowers costs for our seniors and enhances Social Security benefits. We will not stand by as this administration puts them at risk.”