Dear Problem Solvers Caucus Members:
The Strengthen Social Security Coalition—a broad-based alliance of over 350 national and state organizations, including women’s, labor, aging, disability, veterans, and civil rights groups representing more than 50 million Americans—is writing in strong opposition to the Inclusion of a fast-tracked commission as part of the debt ceiling framework endorsed by you as a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus.
We see support for fast-tracked, closed-door fiscal commissions as support for cutting Social Security behind closed doors in an effort to avoid political accountability. We strongly agree with the White House that any such fiscal commission is a “death panel” for Social Security, as well as Medicare.
The overwhelming majority of Americans are right to oppose all cuts to Social Security’s modest but essential benefits. Those earned benefits should not be cut, directly or indirectly. Indeed, they should be increased.
We respectfully urge you to withdraw your proposal.
Sincerely,
Nancy J. Altman
Chair