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    THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
    ~ Protecting the Health and Economic Future of Older Americans ~

    January 26, 2010

    NEWS RELEASE

    Fast-track Commission Derailed in Senate

    Leading Seniors' Advocacy Group Applauds Vote Defeating Conrad/Gregg Fast Track Commission

    "America 's seniors understand what this commission proposal has been all about from the beginning - finding a way to balance the budget on the back of Social Security. For too long, fiscal hawks have tried to blame Social Security for the nation's fiscal problems even though the program has not contributed one dime to our nation's bleak debt and deficit picture.  We are thankful the Senate saw through this political fiction. They are to be commended for refusing to turn over their legislative responsibilities to a fast-tracked process that would cut benefits absolutely essential to millions who depend on Social Security." ...Barbara B. Kennelly, President/CEO

    National Committee members have been calling, writing, and emailing Congress expressing their opposition to the Conrad/Gregg Commission. The National Committee ran radio, print and internet ads this week and joined other seniors' advocates to flood the Senate with thousands of letters and phone calls against the Conrad-Gregg Fast Track Commission proposal.  They are strongly opposed to any efforts to reduce Social Security benefits in order to balance the federal budget. Social Security represents the bedrock retirement income of nearly every American providing a modest benefit of only $13,800 a year for the average retiree. It is the only source of retirement income for nearly 20 percent of retirees and represents over half the income of nearly two-thirds of beneficiaries.

    The National Committee has championed numerous advocacy campaigns throughout its 27-year history to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare including the defeat of President Bush's Social Security privatization proposal.

     

    Media Inquiries to:
    Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
    Kim Wright 202-216-8414
    www.ncpssm.org

     

    The National Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that 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.