If you are concerned about the future of Social Security, it is helpful to know what politicians have said about it. Changes that affect benefits for the elderly could be made by those in a leadership position on the federal level.
The White House, the House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate are all controlled by Democrats. Lawmakers on the left support expanding Social Security and oppose any benefit cuts. Control of the House or the Senate could change hands after the elections in November.
McConnell will likely become the majority leader if the Republicans regain a majority. That is why the quote from McConnell is so important.
The image is from the same source.
McConnell said if we have the majority next year, he will be the leader. In consultation with my members, I will decide what to put on the floor. A bill that raises taxes on half the American people and sunsets Social Security and Medicare within five years will not be part of our agenda.
McConnell responded to a plan put forth by Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Scott created an 11-Point Plan to Rescue America, which he said was a plan for what the GOP would do if it took control of Congress. Scott wanted all federal legislation to sunset after five years so Congress would need to approve it again if it was important.
Congress would have to vote regularly to reauthorize Social Security and Medicare. It would cause a lot of uncertainty for seniors and could cause problems for future retirees, who wouldn't necessarily be able to count on Social Security being available for them.
McConnell's words suggest that a Republican majority in the Senate would not pose a serious threat to Social Security.
McConnell's words seem to reflect a shift in the Republican Party that has taken place in recent years.
Reforming Social Security has always been a priority for the right, with many Republican lawmakers concerned that the program is in trouble. While the left was in favor of Social Security expansion, lawmakers on the right often proposed changes that would cut benefits. Changing the way raises are calculated can make cost-of-living adjustments less generous.
However, former President Donald Trump embraced a more populist approach and said that he wasn't in favor of Social Security cuts that would leave less money for seniors. McConnell's assurances that Social Security wouldn't be subject to sunsetting may suggest other Republicans have embraced this shift and that cuts to Social Security may no longer be a priority.
Current and future retirees may be able to feel more confident in their retirement benefits if this trend continues.
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