SOCIAL SECURITY LAW: Solon Warns Gov’t on Social Security Benefit Cuts

January 14, 2011

Washington – Senator Bernie Sanders (Vermont-Ind.) has cautioned the federal government against slashing Social Security benefits in exchange for political support in its bid to raise the debt ceiling.

Sanders, together with lobbyists composed of more than 200 labor unions and liberal groups, also reminded US President Barrack Obama to honor his promise not to cut the benefits. The group is also asking the President to make a strong statement on this during his State of the Union address on January 25.

In a letter sent to the President, Sanders said, “I urge you...to make clear to the American people that under your watch we will not cut Social Security benefits, raise the retirement age or privatize this critical program”.

Sanders and other Democrat lawmakers are worried that the President would renege on his promise after he struck a deal last year with Senator Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican leader from Kentucky, to pass the $858 billion tax package.