Cohen Statement on Protecting Social Security Benefits in Fiscal Cliff Negotiations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today issued the following statement on recent news reports that indicate the fiscal cliff negotiations might include a proposal that would slow the growth of Social Security benefits:

“Social Security is more than just a retirement program – it is a lifeline that keeps millions of Americans out of poverty. Many seniors in Memphis and across the country rely on Social Security for the majority of their household income. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law in 1935 and it remains a successful, strong program today. There is no need to fundamentally alter Social Security during fiscal cliff negotiations because the program is built soundly enough to pay full benefits through 2033 without changes. During these tough economic times it is vital that Congress protect those who are most vulnerable, and that includes seniors who rely on Social Security.”