A group of 29 Senate Democrats are trying, probably in vain, but still, to reverse the DOGE cuts to Social Security implemented earlier this year.
The Keep Billionaires out of Social Security Act would reverse the DOGE-ordered shutdowns of local Social Security field offices, cut the red tape that the Trump/Musk DOGE project put into place making it harder for seniors and people with disabilities to apply for benefits, and provide proper resources to the SSA so it can approve benefits quicker.
The Trump administration pushed out more than 7,000 SSA employees, is now requiring in-person office visits to receive benefits, and is limiting access to a live operator when Americans call the 1-800 number for Social Security benefits to make it easier to access benefits.
But, hey, rich people are getting tax cuts, so, it’s all good.
“Donald Trump lied when he said he would not hurt Social Security. At a time when it should be all hands on deck to strengthen this program for future generations, he is working overtime to undermine it by firing workers and preparing to close field offices that help ensure that Americans get their benefits,” U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both D-Va., said in a joint statement.
We all know how much Trump and the MAGAs love them some cuts to the social safety net, so, it’s hard to imagine this legislation even getting out of committee, much less getting a positive vote in the Senate or the House, which are run by extremist Republicans.
The cuts are incredibly short-sighted politically. Social Security has helped millions of seniors, widows, children and people with disabilities out of poverty; in 2023 alone, the program lifted 27.6 million Americans out of poverty.
Without SSA, 40 percent of people over age 65 would be living in poverty.
The Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act would:
- Protect and improve Americans’ access to SSA offices by prohibiting closures, relocations, and service reductions, preventing more employees from being pushed out, and ensuring Americans can speak to real people to get their benefits.
- Increase funding by $5 billion to improve customer service, modernize technology, and reduce backlogs.
- Restore assistance for vulnerable and disabled people to access their benefits.
- Safeguard Americans’ data and stop Trump’s politicization of Social Security.
- Remove DOGE’s authority and call for an independent investigation into DOGE’s actions at SSA.
Support AFP
Share
Chris Graham
