Pascrell Opening Statement at Social Security Subcommittee Hearing

(As prepared for delivery)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

This hearing is yet another smokescreen, a cover-up for the majority’s extremist agenda to gut Social Security. Do not be fooled. The other side voted over and over again to cut the Social Security Administration’s budget. These cuts only make disability delays far longer.  

Social Security is one of America’s greatest success stories. 40% of seniors and 50% of disabled beneficiaries would live in poverty without Social Security. Social Security still stands as a monument to decency, dignity, and hard-working Americans after nearly ninety years.

Yet, throughout its storied history it has been under attack. Going back to 1935, it has been the subject of scurrilous attacks and lies from day one. Let’s not forget that House Republicans brought our nation to the brink of a devastating default with their debt ceiling debacle. We nearly saw millions of Americans cut off from Social Security for the first time in history.

And the Republican Study Committee – which represents three-quarters of all House Republicans – proposed slashing Social Security benefits by $718 Billion! Far from Social Security saviors, the majority insists on seeking its destruction!

Our nation’s retirement system is lurching toward insolvency. We have a sacred responsibility to address the actual challenges facing Social Security. We cannot tackle benefit delays without ensuring that customer service at the Social Security Administration is fully funded.

We must also eliminate the mandatory five-month waiting period for disability benefits, as my friend John Larson’s Social Security 2100 Act would do. Enough dishonesty and misdirection. Americans deserve real solutions.  Thank you, and I yield back.