June 05, 2023

Speaker McCarthy Commission to Find Ways to Cut Government Spending, Including Social Security and Medicare, as Congress Passes Bill to Raise Debt Ceiling

Speaking on Fox News, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced plans to assemble a bipartisan commission to look at potential cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and all federal government spending.

McCarthy spoke hours before the U.S. House of Representatives passed HR 3746 by a bipartisan vote of 314-117 to raise the nation’s borrowing limit through 2024. The Senate approved the bill by a 63-36 vote on Thursday.

The new commission announcement came as many hardline members of the House Freedom Caucus revolted over the debt limit deal McCarthy struck with President Biden. The committee would be formed despite vehement Republican claims earlier this year that Social Security and Medicare cuts were off the table.

The debt ceiling agreement did not include cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and other programs that millions of seniors rely on. Spending to help veterans was increased. However, Americans aged 50-54 who do not have dependents will now find themselves ineligible for the SNAP (food stamp) benefits they rely on if they are unable to meet new work requirements.

“The deal struck by President Biden means Social Security checks will arrive on schedule and Medicare will not be disrupted,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “However, we cannot let our guard down. Speaker McCarthy has made it clear that changing and cutting our earned Social Security and Medicare benefits remains a priority for his party.”