House Dem Leaders Claim GOP Plans Include Changing Social Security

House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu used the opportunity of their weekly press conference on Jan. 31 to paint and position Republicans as “extreme” in their budget solutions and proposals.
Both men, representatives from California, suggested that the GOP is looking to imperil the well-being of older Americans by making “dangerous” cuts to federal social safety net programs.
Aguilar opened the press conference by noting, “Today is the 83rd anniversary of the first Social Security check being issued.
Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D‑Calif.) Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, speaks during a press conference with incoming House Democratic Leadership at the Capitol in Washington on Dec. 13, 2022. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
“On Jan. 31, 1940, Ida M. Fuller of Ludlow, Vermont, was issued a $22.54 check. For eight decades America has kept its promise to seniors who earn every dollar that they receive.”
Indeed, on its Twitter feed today, the Democratic Caucus featured a photo of Fuller and her historic check.
Aguilar added that Democrats always protect Social Security to ensure that the “program is available to older Americans” and that “seven in 10 Americans share this concern and are looking to House Democrats.”
As the United States approaches a reckoning with its ability to meet its financial obligations and faces defaulting on its debt for the first time, the GOP is looking for a budget solution that may include agreeing to raise the federal debt ceiling—it currently stands at $31.4 trillion—if combined with spending cuts.
President Joe Biden says he wil …