|
 |
 |
|
Reid deficit proposal gains AARP endorsement
The powerful seniors group AARP sent a letter to the Senate on Thursday endorsing the Democrats' Budget Control Act, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) earlier this week.
"This plan would resolve the current debt-ceiling crisis, which has created great anxiety among our members," the letter reads, citing the plan's hands-off policy toward Social Security and Medicare.
Both Social Security and Medicare have been sticking points in the deficit debate. Republicans pushed for entitlement reforms as part of an original "grand bargain" on reducing the deficit and raising the debt ceiling. President Obama reportedly considered entitlement reforms as part of deficit negotiations. However, liberal Democrats, particularly in the House, pushed back, warning the president that they would not agree to any cuts to the big three entitlements, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.
However, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond had a few words for the Boehner’s plan in the letter, too. The letter compares Reid favorably to the alternative.
“Furthermore, it does not premise an additional increase in the debt ceiling on the success of a yet to be formed committee of legislators — a condition that would create great uncertainty for everyone, including our members and other older Americans who would again have no assurance that they could access their retirement income and healthcare this winter,” the letter reads.
Boehner’s proposal included the appointment of 12 members of Congress to what he called a “joint select committee” that would make recommendations on spending cuts and entitlement reform.
The AARP endorsement could be a boon to Reid as he gathers votes for his own bill in the Senate, and would likely have an even greater influence on the votes of House liberals if the bill makes it through the upper chamber.
Most Viewed RSS Feed »
