Larson: Republicans Are Trying to Fast-Track Cuts to Social Security

Washington, D.C. - Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement after House Republicans on the Budget Committee advanced H.R. 5779, legislation that would create a fast-track commission designed to cut Social Security. Earlier today, Rep. Larson spoke on the House Floor in opposition to their proposal. 

“I want to commend Ranking Member Boyle and my Democratic colleagues on the House Budget Committee who stood up to protect Social Security from devastating cuts today," said Larson. "Republicans’ rejection of Ranking Member Boyle’s amendment exposes their commission for what it is: a blatant attempt to go behind closed doors to cut Social Security and Medicare. What is democratic about 6 members of the House and 6 in the Senate deciding behind closed doors on an unamendable bill that is fast-tracked to an up-or-down vote? That sounds more dictatorial than democratic. We strongly oppose the decision to cut Social Security instead of working with Democrats to make Social Security more solvent and expand benefits for nearly 70 million Americans, something that has not been done in more than 50 years. We will continue to push back against the commission and any proposals that slash critical benefits for American families.”

Last week, Rep. Larson led 116 of his colleagues in a letter to House leadership urging them to reject the proposed fast-track commission. In September, nearly every House Republican voted for legislation that would cut Social Security Administration funding by 30% and included their commission designed to cut Social Security benefits. 

Rep. Larson’s Social Security 2100 Act, cosponsored by nearly 200 House Democrats, would extend the program’s solvency and increase benefits across-the-board for the first time in more than 50 years.