Social Security Benefits Targeted for Cuts by House Conservatives

“As we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now,” Biden said to applause from both sides of the aisle. “We got unanimity!”

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Democrat Brendan Boyle seized on the proposal, saying Republicans are “attempting to renege on our sacred promise to American workers and seniors.”

RSC members on Wednesday said the group has a responsibility to again push their the politically perilous proposal, casting it as a more sustainable option than leaving the programs untouched.

Benefit Cut

Failing to change the program would lead to an eventual 23% benefit cut to Social Security and 11% cut to Medicare provider payments, said Oklahoma Republican Kevin Hern, the group’s chairman.

“It saves Medicare and Social Security from Biden’s destructive plan,” Hern told reporters.

The plan, the group states, would balance the federal budget in seven years by cutting some $16 trillion in spending and $5 trillion in taxes. The RSC board approved the proposal but its members didn’t vote on it.

Hern, who often serves as a bridge between House leaders and conservatives, said he expects the House to vote on the group’s plan.

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