Republicans Announce Plans For Drastic Cuts To Social Security, Raise Retirement Age

Republicans Announce Plans For Drastic Cuts To Social Security, Raise Retirement Age

Now that Republicans retain control of the Executive Branch and both the House and the Senate, sweeping changes are about to be voted on.

Chairman Sam Johnson, the Republican Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee of Ways and Means, just introduced a bill that would deeply cut Social Security as we today know it, not to mention his intention to raise the retirement age from 67 to 69.

If the bill passes, which many expect that it will in some form, it will affect all Americans 49 and younger.

As soon as the bill was put on the floor, Nancy Pelosi released the following statement, on behalf of Democrats everywhere calling attention to the fact that Medicare was also under attack:

“Apparently nothing upsets House Republicans like the idea of hard-working people getting to enjoy a secure and dignified retirement.  While Speaker Ryan sharpens his knives for Medicare, Chairman Johnson’s bill is an alarming sign that Republicans are greedily eying devastating cuts to Americans’ Social Security benefits as well.

Cutting Social Security would have devastating consequences for Americans’ retirement security.  At a time when Americans are more anxious about their retirement than ever, the top Republican on the Social Security Subcommittee is rolling out legislation that cuts benefits by more than a third, raises the retirement age from 67 to 69, cuts seniors’ cost of living adjustments, and targets benefits for the families of disabled and retired workers.

Slashing Social Security and ending Medicare are absolutely not what the American people voted for in November.  Democrats will not stand by while Republicans dismantle the promise of a healthy and dignified retirement for working people in America.”

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In total, the bill would implement 15 changes for Social Security – no small thing. Here’s the first ten:

Congressman Johnson ironically also calls it his “Plan To Permanently Save Social Security” even though it will be phasing out benefits for seniors.

Trump has previously said on the campaign trail before being elected that he would not touch Medicare or Social Security – but has already went back on his promise for Medicare, saying that legislation and changes would be in the works. It wouldn’t be surprising for him to say the same thing in regards to Social Security.