Stop secret Social Security commissions

The push for secret Social Security commissions and fast-track changes is kicking into high gear. One of SEVERAL bills was just introduced that could mean big, fast-tracked changes to our Social Security.

This time, Washington special interests want a small, hand-picked commission of unelected officials to fast-track changes to Social Security. They hope to push cuts to OUR hard-earned money without meaningful public input.

Let’s stop these Social Security commissions in their tracks. Tell Congress that voters 50-plus won’t allow ANY decisions being made about our hard-earned money in a rush or behind closed doors.

RECIPIENTS:

Your Members of Congress

Form Label Field

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. I am asking you to oppose bills that would hand my Social Security to a commission or create unusual procedures that could lead to cuts in Social Security. 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]

Your Information

Salutation *

First name *

Last name *

E-mail address *

Address *

Address Line 2

Zip Code *

City *

State *

Phone *

Email Opt-In

Opt-in

I’d also like to stay informed via email about AARP programs, benefits, events and more. I can change my communication preferences at any time. To learn more about how we use personal information, please review our Privacy Policy.