The Progressive

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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Linda Benesch, lbenesch@socialsecurityworks.org

Democrats Must Protect Social Security by Raising the Debt Ceiling in the Reconciliation Package

WASHINGTON

The following is a statement from Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, on Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) demanding Social Security and Medicare cuts as a ransom for raising the debt ceiling:

"Lindsey Graham and his fellow Republicans will stop at nothing to cut the American people's earned Social Security and Medicare benefits. Graham has now telegraphed his party's intention to demand a commission to cut Social Security and Medicare as the price for raising the debt ceiling.

Fortunately, Democrats can protect Social Security and Medicare by raising the debt ceiling in the forthcoming reconciliation package. As long as every Democratic Senator is on board, this would not require a single Republican vote. It is essential that Democrats take this opportunity to prevent Republicans from taking our earned benefits hostage."

Social Security Works' mission is to: Protect and improve the economic security of disadvantaged and at-risk populations; Safeguard the economic security of those dependent, now or in the future, on Social Security; and Maintain Social Security as a vehicle of social justice.