01.18.24 IMMEDIATE ACTION - DAY OF ACTION - SS FISCAL COMMISSION
January 18, 2024
IMMEDIATE ACTION NOTICE! PLEASE SHARE!
DAY OF ACTION - FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024
Retirement Security Warriors,
It’s time to brush off your Warrior shields and get active. As you know, the NUCPP remained together to act as a ‘watchdog’ for Retirement Security issues rather than ‘retiring’ after the pension war was over. WELL, as we’ve been reporting, efforts are underway in Washington to create a Fiscal Commission, which could likely propose significant policy changes to address our national debt, including drastic cuts to Social Security benefits.
Today, the House Budget Committee met to mark up the Fiscal Commission of 2023 Act (H.R. 5779), which would create a fast-track commission of 16 people (only 12 of whom may vote) with the power to cut Social Security benefits for 70 million people.
The Fiscal Commission would be charged with creating a bill that would pass with a simple majority of the Commission and then be expedited WITHOUT amendment for a simple up or down vote. The majority of 12 is 7. SEVEN elected officials would get to determine the fate of the nation’s largest insurance program for decades to come. Only two Democrats would be required for the bill to pass out of the Commission and head to the floor. The Commission’s recommendations would then be delivered to Congress, requiring each chamber to conduct an immediate up or down vote on approval without any opportunities for changes or amendments. Not surprisingly, the bills are strongly skewed toward budget and benefit cuts instead of the revenue increases necessary to extend the solvency of the Social Security and Medicare programs.
Here is the mark-up from today!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcsgubuWBxM&authuser=0
You must understand that these social security attacks could also impact your children and grandchildren, so it is time to act!
We need you to contact your legislators on FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2024, both Democrats and Republicans, either by calling their office or by sending an email. You can also use this link:
Talking Points
When you speak with your legislator’s office, tell them you want ‘Regular Order” which means that after the legislation comes out of the committee, it goes to the House Floor, and then is discussed and can be amended. Under the current proposal of a Fiscal Commission, the House can only vote yes or no. Sound similar to MEPRA?
is antithetical to democracy and the legislative process
This Commission will cut Social Security
House Leadership will attempt to force the bill will likely ride on must-pass legislation
While the idea of “fiscal responsibility” may seem reasonable, this is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, after all why is there no mention of business tax cuts getting rolled back but Social Security’s 75-year Trust Fund is specifically targeted
This legislation is opposed by Retirement Security advocates, the Teamsters, AFL-CIO and others. Please see the attached opposition letters from the Teamsters and AFL-CIO.
This really is important and we know what an impact we can make, but there is no time to delay.
CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 19TH, EITHER BY USING THE LINK IN THIS NOTICE, OR EMAIL OR CALL THEIR OFFICE.
IMPORTANT -I just received an email from the ARA telling us that the House Budget Committee approved legislation today to create the so-called fiscal commission to meet behind closed doors to plan cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits. NO MORE CLOSED DOORS! I will forward that to you also! YOU CAN ALSO USE THEIR LINK, BUT DO SOMETHING!
We know what you are capable of!
More to come as we have further information.
Take care Warriors!
Best regards,
Dana
NUCPP Board of Directors
Dana M. Vargo
Director of Communications
National United Committee to Protect Pensions