AARP Not Happy With Latest Debt Ceiling Talk

[ProSense]

AARP Not Happy With Latest Debt Ceiling Talk

Benjy Sarlin |

The top advocacy group for seniors, AARP, is sounding the alarm over reports that cuts to Social Security and Medicare may be included in a deficit deal.

CEO Barry Rand issued a lengthy statement on Thursday demanding that the White House and Republican leaders take the issue off the table and address any changes to the programs in separate negotiations.

"AARP is strongly opposed to any deficit reduction proposal that makes harmful cuts to vital Social Security and Medicare benefits," Rand said.

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"AARP will fight any cuts that are proposed to this important program, including proposals to reduce the cost of living adjustment for beneficiaries (COLA)--such as the proposed chained CPI--which AARP also believes should not be considered as part of the debt ceiling or deficit reduction negotiations," he said.

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The full statement from AARP:

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[OHdem10]

1. Why should they be????

[FreakinDJ]

2. NEXT: DEM Lawmakers jumping on board AARP's position

"AARP will not accept any cuts to Social Security as part of a deal to pay the nation's bills," said Rand. "Social Security did not cause the deficit, and it should not be cut to reduce a deficit it did not cause. As the President and Congress work to negotiate a deal to raise the debt ceiling, AARP urges all lawmakers to reject any proposals that would cut the benefits seniors have earned through a lifetime of hard work.