President Biden sparked an uproar during his State of the Union speech on Tuesday when he said some Republicans want to see Social Security and Medicare “sunset” — but he did something else: He encouraged people to talk about these programs. inspired to.
Biden struck a chord by mentioning Republicans’ plan to cut Social Security. His remarks were met with hooting – one member of the audience shouted “liar” – and nods. “I’m not saying it’s most of you,” he said. “But it is being proposed by individuals. I am not politely going to name them but it is being proposed by some of you.’
After the shouting subsided, Biden asked, “So guys, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare are off the books now?” To which many guests stood up and clapped.
He mentioned the scene during a speech on his economic plan in DeForest, Wis.
“It looks like we negotiated an agreement on the floor of the House of Representatives last night,” he said. “Seriously, did you see all of them standing there saying we’re not going to cut anything? Well, that’s a good thing.”
Social Security has been called the “third rail of politics” because it is such a highly charged topic and can end a political career. However, it’s also a “lifeline” for many older Americans, as the president reminded the audience, and it’s a program that activists have paid for for decades. But the trust fund supporting the program is expected to run out of money in less than 15 years, and if it does, retirees and those receiving disability benefits will lose their dues. Congress has never allowed Social Security to be weakened, but politicians often shy away from discussing what the solution to the bankruptcy problem would be.
“While President Biden’s comment may be taken as merely a political jab at his opponents, the fact that both Democrats and Republicans are talking about Social Security for the first time in years is, in my opinion, a significant boost to the program.” A good sign, that would be, is that the funds needed to pay out the full benefits in less than a decade have been exhausted, said Andrew Biggs, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.
The president said he was not “politely” naming anyone but was likely referring to Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott Proposal To eliminate all federal laws in five years. The proposal doesn’t specifically mention Social Security, but “his proposal opens the door for Biden to make that claim,” Biggs said.
Other suggestions have also been made, such as changing Social Security and Medicare from “mandatory” spending programs to “discretionary” programs. Republicans have also proposed raising the full retirement age for Social Security from 67 to 70, which would result in benefit cuts, said Kathleen Romig, director of Social Security and disability policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
“Clearly it’s not a very popular position to take,” she said.
Many Republicans these days say Social Security and Medicare should not be cut, Biggs said.
The efforts have already been appreciated. Former White House staffers and other social media users applauded the portion of the Union state dedicated to Social Security and Medicare, and members of both political parties are coming together to support older Americans and the programs they rely on Let’s trust
“Americans should be able to trust that our leaders will protect the hard-earned Social Security and Medicare benefits they have contributed over a lifetime,” AARP Chief Executive Officer Jo Ann Jenkins said in a statement. “That’s why we’re encouraged to hear this commitment echoed from leaders of both parties.”
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