News Release

The first salvo in the War on the Working Class has been fired by House Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Sam Johnson (R-TX).  At the tail end of the lame duck Congress, Rep. Johnson has introduced legislation that would slash earned Social Security benefits.  His Social Security Reform Act of 2016 would irreparably harm the nearly 60 million Americans who currently depend on Social Security as well as future beneficiaries.

Johnson’s bill:

  • Cuts Social Security benefits by one third.
  • Raises the retirement age from 67 to 69.
  • Changes the benefit-computation formula in a way that cuts benefit amounts.
  • Cuts Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs)

The resulting benefit cuts will affect Americans of all ages, at all income levels, including the middle class and those with very low incomes.

“If we needed any further proof that Congressional Republicans are bent on gutting Social Security, this last-minute legislation at the close of the 114th Congress is it. Rep. Johnson will no doubt re-introduce his bill in the next Congress.  We at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare are gearing up for battle on Capitol Hill in this War on the Working Class.

President-elect Trump will have a veto pen. Now is the time for Mr. Trump to re-affirm his campaign promise “not to touch” Social Security and Medicare. So far, he has been uncharacteristically silent on this vital issue.  I promise that we will hold him accountable. …Max Richtman, NCPSSM President/CEO

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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