by Mary Savage
Like zombies returning from the dead, legislation supporting an undemocratic and semi-secretive fiscal commission has once again been introduced in Congress.
This time it was in the U.S. Senate in late March. A small group of legislators and administration officials want to write Social Security legislation that would be fast-tracked through Congress on a limited time schedule with no allowance for amendments and very limited debate.
Let us be clear and let us be resolved: Any changes to Social Security should go through the regular legislative process. This includes public hearings and amendments, if needed.
The reasoning is simple. The American people must have ample time to fully understand the impact of any proposed changes to our earned benefits, especially since trust fund shortfalls are predicted to begin as early as 2032.
Any changes to Social Security must be designed to improve the program for the American people and not to achieve budgetary “goals” that in actuality would harm the American people.
Social Security does not contribute a nickel to the federal debt and it should not be targeted for cuts as part of any budget-cutting plan.
Zombie movie fans may recall that the monsters died when their brains were destroyed. So even scary monsters can be defeated. But Brad Pitt isn’t going to save the day. We have to do it ourselves.
Let’s put our pens, keyboards and voices to work. Write a letter or give your congressional representative and two U.S. senators a call and tell them you oppose this undemocratic fiscal commission.
The U.S. Capitol Switchboard phone number is (202) 224-3121. The switchboard operator may ask for your zip code.