Keep Social Security and Medicare Cuts Out of Debt Debate, AARP CEO Says

En español | AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins is urging Congress to keep cuts to Social Security and Medicare off the table as it moves toward a deal to raise or suspend the debt limit.

“Leaders in both parties – President Biden, former President Trump, Speaker McCarthy, Majority Leader Schumer and Leader Jeffries – agree with AARP that Social Security and Medicare must not be cut as part of any debt deal,” Jenkins said in a statement Wednesday. “AARP will fight any cuts to the Social Security and Medicare benefits workers and retirees have paid into and earned.” 

The federal government recently hit the statutory borrowing limit set by Congress. Lawmakers must now pass a bill to allow the U.S. to continue to borrow to pay off current obligations or risk the nation defaulting on its debt, which experts say would bring economic catastrophe. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said last week she has begun taking “extraordinary measures” that will postpone a default until at least June.

Jenkins said it is “outrageous” to suggest cutting Social Security and Medicare as part of the debt debate. Roughly 65 million Americans receive Social Security Benefits and 63 million rely on Medicare for their health care coverage.

Read Jenkins’ statement and keep up with AARP’s coverage of Social Security and Medicare.