Tell Congress to protect Social Security from cuts

Washington special interest groups are pushing proposals that could put the Social Security we've earned at risk. They support Social Security commissions that would make backroom decisions without our input, and several bills could fast-track major changes to the payments we’ve earned.

At the same time, Social Security faces a projected 20% shortfall in just seven years, but only if Congress doesn’t act. The good news is that our leaders have the tools to easily fix it.

That's why, while lawmakers are home for August recess, AARP advocates are urging them to make protecting Social Security a priority before they return to Washington.

Tell your members of Congress to protect Social Security from cuts, backroom deals, and closed-door commissions.

RECIPIENTS:

Your Members of Congress

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Your Message

Subject

Dear Decision Maker,

Message Body

I am one of your constituents, and I earned my Social Security through a lifetime of hard work. While you are home for August recess, I’m asking you to listen to your constituents and commit to protecting the Social Security we’ve earned. Please oppose bills that would hand Social Security to a commission or create unusual procedures that could lead to cuts. That means the PROMISE Act, the Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act, the Fiscal Commission Act, or any other proposal like them.

These bills are all built similarly. They give a small group authority to propose changes behind closed doors. They limit amendments or changes that can be proposed. They include artificial deadlines that cut off debate and make it harder for the American people to know what is being voted on. If proposals like this were about protecting Social Security, they wouldn’t need a special process to avoid scrutiny. Instead, these plans would make it easier for Congress to cut Social Security, which the American people cannot afford.

Each of these bills has serious problems that threaten the open debate the American public expects on something as important as Social Security:

- One bill (S. 4979) would let an unelected, four-member board write a 50-year Social Security plan in about a month, then force fast-track votes right after the election, when Members of Congress would not face accountability for their decisions.

- Another (H.R. 9187) would set up a hand-picked commission to write a package and fast-track it through with a few days of review and no amendments allowed.

- Another (S. 4012/H.R. 3289) would throw Social Security into a deficit commission with unrelated budget fights – when Social Security doesn’t contribute a penny to the debt – and fast-track whatever it produces, with no amendments allowed.

Congress already has committees and subcommittees focused on Social Security. There are hundreds of ways Congress can protect Social Security and the payments I have earned. You don't need a commission to save Social Security. Regular order is the gold standard for passing laws, and something as important as my Social Security deserves nothing less. That means hearings, real debate, unrestricted amendments, and a recorded vote you have to stand behind, out in the open for the American people to see.

I earned my Social Security. Don't outsource the tough decisions. Don’t rush it with artificial deadlines. Don’t cut it behind closed doors. Please, protect Social Security, and do so out in the open.

Thank you,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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