Larson Offers Amendment to Protect Social Security Trust Fund from Republican Attacks

Washington, D.C. - Today, Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01), during the Ways and Means Committee markup of legislation to provide a $70 billion tax break to the wealthiest Americans at the expense of the Social Security Trust Fund, offered an amendment to protect the solvency of the Trust Fund. Republicans are barreling toward a government shutdown as they fight for cuts to programs like Social Security. Every Republican on the Committee voted against Larson’s amendment to protect the Trust Fund during the markup. 

“My concern is that this bill is a direct hit on the Social Security Trust Fund. We’re in a crisis. 10,000 Baby Boomers a day become eligible for Social Security, yet there hasn’t been Congressional action to address this in more than 52 years,” said Larson. “On the brink of a government shutdown, instead of more tax breaks for the wealthy, how about we take care of those who paid into these programs with their own money? It is this Committee’s responsibility to protect Social Security, and that is what this amendment aims to do.” 

You can watch Rep. Larson's remarks here.