Tell Democrats: Don't Help Republicans Cut Social Security

Social Security can be protected and expanded — but not if Democrats help Republicans hide benefit cuts inside a “bipartisan” commission.

A new Senate proposal would create an independent advisory process to recommend changes to Social Security and push Congress toward a vote. That may sound neutral. It is not. When Republicans talk about “reforming” Social Security, they  mean cutting benefits, raising the retirement age, or opening the door to privatization.

There is no magic third option hidden in a commission. Congress can strengthen Social Security by requiring the wealthy to contribute their fair share. Or it can cut benefits. Any Democrat who refuses to raise revenue from the wealthy is, by default, helping clear the path for cuts.

Tell Democrats in Congress: Do not partner with Republicans on any commission, advisory process, or fast-track scheme that puts Social Security benefits at risk.

Social Security is an earned benefit. Workers pay into it their entire lives. Seniors, people with disabilities, surviving spouses, children, and working families depend on it to survive.

Raising the retirement age is a benefit cut. Reducing monthly payments is a benefit cut. Forcing people to wait longer for earned benefits is a cut. And any proposal backed by Republicans through a so-called bipartisan commission should be treated as a threat until proven otherwise.

The real solution is obvious: Make the wealthy pay into Social Security on all of their income. Right now, millionaires and billionaires stop contributing after a certain level of wages, while working people pay all year long. Senator Elizabeth Warren and countless other Democrats have already backed plans to raise the payroll tax cap and strengthen Social Security without cutting benefits.

That is the side Democrats should be on. Not negotiating with Republicans. Not legitimizing a commission designed to give benefit cuts bipartisan cover. Not putting seniors and workers on the chopping block.

Add your name now and tell Democrats: Reject any bipartisan commission that risks Social Security cuts, and fight instead to make the wealthy pay their fair share.

The petition to Democrats in Congress reads:

"Reject any bipartisan commission, advisory process, or fast-track proposal that gives Republicans cover to cut Social Security, raise the retirement age, or privatize earned benefits. Social Security can be protected and expanded by requiring the wealthy to contribute their fair share. Support raising the cap on the Social Security payroll tax, and oppose any plan that cuts benefits for seniors, people with disabilities, surviving spouses, children, or working families."