Larson Slams Republicans’ Commission Aimed at Cutting Social Security on House Floor

Washington, D.C. - Today, Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John B. Larson (CT-01) spoke on the House Floor in opposition to H.R. 5779 ahead of the House Budget Committee's markup on the legislation today. H.R. 5779, proposed by House Republicans, would create a fast-track commission designed to cut Social Security benefits. 

Last week, Rep. Larson led 116 of his colleagues in a letter to House leadership urging them to reject the proposed commission. 

You can view Rep. Larson’s remarks here.

“Mr. Speaker, as we sit here, currently, the House Budget Committee is undertaking a matter of grave concern, and I would like to submit for the record letters from both AFGE and the AFL-CIO with respect to the establishment of the so-called fiscal commission. And I think it’s vitally important that Members understand what’s being proposed and how it totally relies on no Member of this body other than the select few, Mr. Speaker, who will be chosen. The commission is comprised of 16 individuals: four who are outside experts and not part of this body and the Senate will have six members that they choose — three Republicans, three Democrats, the House — three Democrats, three Republicans. 

“So, in a body of 435 people here, three Democrats and three Republicans will decide the future and fate of Social Security and Medicare. That’s interesting – they’ll do so behind closed doors with no obligation to report in public. Interestingly enough, too, the bill calls for them to form the committee, but they don’t have to report back until after the election during a lame duck session. So, imagine that Mr. Speaker. The committees of cognizance here that deal with these issues will have no relevance. The only thing that will matter is an up or down vote decided by these individuals behind closed doors that's unamendable and comes to this floor for an up or down vote. This is outrageous, and it's wrong. There are several remedies and proposals that exist out there for Social Security. 

“And here's what's so vitally important. Close to 70 million Americans depend on Social Security, and by the way, Social Security doesn't create one penny of debt. It’s a program that's fully paid for, that cannot be borrowed from, and has to be actuarially sound. And yet it's thrown in here because of a desire by some to use a clandestine, subterranean, double-secret probation committee to cut benefits from Americans. Adding insult to injury, because the last time Congress enhanced the benefit for Social Security, Richard Nixon was president. 

“It was more than 50 years ago, now, that Congress took some action to enhance benefits for people. 10,000 Baby Boomers a day become eligible for Social Security. More than five million of our fellow Americans get below poverty-level checks, having worked all their lives and paid into a system. What we need is a vote on Social Security. Put both measures side by each – a proposal to do a double-secret probation study committee versus actual legislation to improve and enhance Social Security for the more than 70 million Americans who will be participating. Every single member of Congress has Social Security recipients. We have sent you the exact number of your District. Imagine, not having any increases in more than 50 years. 

“And for 40% of all Americans – and so in a nation of more than 300 million people, minimally 28 million Americans – this is the only thing they have for retirement. And as everyone in this body knows, it's not just simply retirement. It’s also spousal and dependent coverage, and for military veterans especially, also disability. And this body has not done anything, nor the Senate, in 53 years. So, all this study is - is a kick the can down the road and create further problems.”