We must protect Social Security and Medicare

In his recent State of the Union speech, President Biden managed to shame Republican Party members of both chambers of the U.S. Congress (the Republicans) into proclaiming they would not cut Social Security or Medicare. In his speech, Biden said, “Some Republicans want Social Security and Medicare to sunset. He said, “Anybody who doubts it, contact my office, I’ll give you a copy of the proposal.” (He was referring to a plan issued by Senator Scott Perry that called for all federal programs to sunset). At this point, Republicans were booing and shouting "No.” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) stood up and pointed her finger at Biden, and yelled “liar” after she sat down. The President then took the opportunity provided by the Republicans to say, "Well, I’m glad to see — and now, I tell you, I enjoy conversion,” He did say it was not a majority of Republicans that were pushing for such cuts. Biden summarized the discussion by stating, “So folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now, right?” Biden said. He gave a thumbs up. “Let’s all agree — and we apparently are — let’s stand up for seniors,” Biden said. “We will not cut Social Security. We will not cut Medicare. If anyone tries to cut Social Security — which apparently they're not going to do — and if anyone tries, and Medicare, I'll stop them. I'll veto it". All the Democrats in the room and many Republicans stood up and applauded. It was a masterful display of political theater. Biden managed to get the Republicans to publicly admit they would not use the threat of cuts to either program as part of the debate on cutting the U.S. budget deficit. Unfortunately, as brilliant as Biden’s handling of the Republicans was, the fact remains that both social programs will run out of money. The U.S. can no longer avoid dealing with this underfunding problem. Both programs are hugely popular and needed. The benefits, however, are modest...