Washington, D.C. – Today, the Expand Social Security Caucus Co-Chairs, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (CT-01), Reps. Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Debbie Dingell (MI-12), reacted to President Trump’s comments that cutting “entitlement programs” was on the table:

“This is a different Trump than the one who stood up to fellow Republicans during the 2016 campaign when he said he wouldn’t cut Social Security. Today’s comments are in stark contrast to his prior statements. We need to expand, not cut Social Security,” said Co-Chair John Larson. “Social Security hasn’t been improved in more than 50 years. The economic growth the President praised has not been felt across the board.  And just one-percent of the nation received 83 percent of the Republican tax cut.  At a time when 10,000 baby boomers are becoming eligible for Social Security every day, President Trump should fulfill his original pledge and work with us to protect and expand Social Security with the Social Security 2100 Act.”

“President Trump once again revealed that he lives in a reality completely insulated from the hardships of Americans struggling to make ends meet, yet remains intent on paying for his tax cuts for giant corporations and billionaires by making deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare,” said Co-Chair Raúl M. Grijalva. “Cutting earned benefits will plunge millions into poverty and jeopardize vulnerable seniors who have paid into these programs their entire lives. While Trump toasts the billionaires at luxurious ski resorts in Davos, House Democrats are moving forward legislation that expands and strengthens Social Security to ensure that seniors can retire with dignity and financial security.”  

“Social Security and Medicare are hard-earned benefits that Alabamians pay for throughout their lifetimes. Instead of working to improve these programs and ensure they remain strong for generations to come, President Trump’s comments today highlight what we already knew to be true: The GOP gave huge tax breaks to the wealthiest, and is now coming after Social Security and Medicare to pay for them. We must pass the Social Security 2100 Act to stave off the Administration’s attacks and strengthen these critically important programs,” said Co-Chair Terri Sewell.

“Social Security and Medicare are part of our nation’s fabric providing the foundation of economic security and healthcare for millions of Americans,” said Congresswoman Dingell, a co-chair of the Expand Social Security Caucus. “Instead of proposing cuts to these vital programs, the Trump Administration should work with us to expand and strengthen them. These programs are critical to so many. The Social Security 2100 Act will ensure Social Security will be there for generations to come and remain true to the promises made when Social Security was enacted more than 80 years ago.”

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