In the dead of night, while debating desperately needed COVID-19 relief, the U.S. Senate approved a dangerous measure that paves the way for fast-track cuts to our hard-earned Medicare and Social Security benefits without public input.
The amendment is based on Sen. Mitt Romney’s “TRUST Act” which establishes congressional “rescue committees” to review the federal Social Security and Medicare trust funds.
I am disappointed that Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan cast “yes” votes in support of the TRUST Act, which is an affront to retirees.
The Social Security Trust Fund is fully funded for more than a decade. In fact, Social Security can pay full benefits until 2035, and 79% of benefits after that. The Medicare Trust Fund is also solvent and can be further strengthened by reining in the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices.
Sens. Murkowski and Sullivan must vote “no” on any measures that aim to cut Medicare and Social Security. These programs are far too important to seniors like me to be slashed.
— Susan Reilly
President, Alaska Alliance for Retired Americans
Anchorage
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