News Release

“House Speaker Paul Ryan’s retirement from Congress lifts a very dark cloud that has hung over older Americans for nearly two decades.  During that time, Speaker Ryan has been the Privatizer-in-Chief on Capitol Hill – advocating to turn Medicare into a voucher program and to gamble retirees’ Social Security benefits on the whims of Wall Street.  He spearheaded legislation to gut Medicaid to the tune of over a trillion dollars, and led the House effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He pushed through the Trump/GOP tax giveaway to the rich and big corporations, inviting deep cuts to seniors’ earned benefits.

Speaker Paul Ryan’s policies were not in line with needs of older Americans and their families.  President Trump calls Ryan’s record “a legacy of achievement.”   In truth, it’s been a legacy of catering to the wealthy, while throwing crumbs to retirees and working and middle class Americans. Seniors and their advocates will work to ensure that the next Speaker – and the next Congress – reverse course to protect and expand our earned benefits.” – Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

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The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff.  The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.

Media Inquiries to:

Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123

Walter Gottlieb 202-216-8414