Wyden Slams Backroom Scheme to Cut Social Security, Medicare as Bill Clears House Committee

Fiscal Commission Bill Passed by House Budget Committee Would Fast Track Cuts to Benefits Like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued a statement after the House Budget Committee passed H.R. 5779, the Fiscal Commission Act, which would create a process to fast track major fiscal policy changes, including cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

“Republicans in Congress know their plans to gut Americans’ Social Security and Medicare benefits are deeply unpopular, so they are resorting to schemes that short-circuit the legislative process, rushing through cuts to Americans’ earned benefits,” Wyden said. “The term ‘fiscal commission’ is the ultimate Washington buzzword, and it translates to trading away Americans’ earned benefits in a secretive, closed-door process. Instead of trying to cut Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, Republicans should work with Democrats to ensure the wealthy pay their fair share, which would go a long way towards securing Social Security and Medicare long into the future.” 

In November, Wyden warned House Republicans to abandon their plans to push through a fiscal commission bill.

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