Social Security and the Budget Resolution
During the Senate’s deliberation on its FY 2016 Budget Resolution, several important Social Security votes were taken that, while not binding, placed Senators on the record for future consideration of measures affecting the nation’s social insurance safety net. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) sponsored an amendment calling for expansion of Social Security benefits that failed 42 to 56 but garnered the votes of all Democrats, except for Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Tom Carper (D-DE). Senator Schatz also offered an amendment in support of ensuring equal access to Social Security and veterans benefits for same-sex spouses that passed 57-43.
Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) put forth an unsuccessful proposal opposing benefit cuts, increases in the retirement age or efforts to privatize Social Security. However, this motion received the support of all Democrats present, except Mark Warner (D-VA), along with six moderate Republicans – John Hoeven (R-ND), Mark Kirk (R-IL), John McCain (R-AZ), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Susan Collins (R-ME). Another amendment introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT) opposed benefit cuts to current beneficiaries. This measure passed 75 to 24, with all Republicans and a number of Democrats voting in favor.
Advocates interpret these votes as making a vivid distinction between the parties when it comes to support for Social Security – with all Republicans rejecting expansion of benefits and most of them voting to keep open the option of benefit cuts to all, except those currently on benefits. Every Democrat, except Heitkamp and Carper, supported expansion of the program and every Democrat, except Warner, voted against benefit cuts.
Meanwhile, bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to strengthen the Social Security system and to effect changes reflecting many of the symbolic votes taken during the deliberations on the 2016 Budget Resolution. H.R. 1391, the “Social Security 2100 Act,” was introduced by Rep. John Larson (D-CT) on March 17 and currently has 54 cosponsors. It would address the impending shortfall in the disability insurance (SSDI) trust fund without benefit cuts, enhance cost of living increases through the use of a more generous inflation formula, create a minimum benefit level for low-wage workers and subject earnings above $400,000 a year to the payroll tax. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) introduced S, 731, the “Social Security Expansion Act,” on March 12. This measure would provide for an across-the-board benefit increase, adoption of the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E), and increase the minimum Social Security benefit based on number of years in the workforce. It would also strengthen the solvency of the trust funds by applying the payroll tax to income over $250,000 and increasing the tax on investment income over $250,000 from 3.8 percent to 10 percent.
Finally, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) have introduced the “Social Security and Marriage Equality (SAME Act),” S. 753 and HR1404 respectively. These measures would provide Social Security benefits and veterans’ benefits to same-sex spouses no matter where they live.
Preservation and strengthening of the Social Security program is a high priority for PVA and its members. We will continue to keep monitor legislative activity as more efforts are taken to reduce benefits in the future. We encourage all PVA members to contact their representatives and senators to ask them to support the bills mentioned above. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Susan Prokop, Senior Associate Advocacy Director, in the PVA National Office.