President Obama has put the new method, known as chained consumer price index, on the table in deficit talks with Republicans. Using it reduces entitlement benefits like Social Security over time and also raises revenues by reducing the value of tax breaks.
The vote on the amendment was by voice vote, so its usefulness in quantifying Senate opposition to the proposal is minimal. The amendment is non-binding because it is attached to the budget resolution, which does not have the force of law.
Sens. Bernie Sanders
Bernard (Bernie) SandersO'Rourke's chances against Trump are ‘overstated,’ says progressive columnist Sanders teases possible 2020 White House bid, tears into 'Wall Street Democrats' Bloomberg ready to spend at least 0M if he runs for White House in 2020 MORE (I-Vt.), Tom Harkin
Thomas (Tom) Richard HarkinIowa’s Ernst will run for reelection in 2020 California primary threatens to change 2020 game for Dems Mellman: Dems’ presidential pick will be chosen in a flash MORE (D-Iowa), Mazie Hirono
Mazie Keiko HironoHirono will donate salary earned during government shutdown Dems push for increased scrutiny of Trump’s court picks 'So stupid,' 'absurd' – Senate Dems condemn shutdown after talks falter MORE (D-Hawaii) and Sheldon Whitehouse
Sheldon WhitehouseDems push for increased scrutiny of Trump’s court picks Dems ask if Trump aide Bill Shine is breaking ethics laws Senators want assurances from attorney general pick on fate of Mueller probe MORE (D-R.I.) sponsored the amendment.
Sen. Richard Burr
Richard Mauze BurrSenators' last-minute demands may delay funding bill On The Money: Fed raises rates, defying Trump | GOP moving stopgap to prevent shutdown | Conservatives blast Trump over deal | Consumer bureau halts name change | Treasury hits Russians with new sanctions Trump admin to lift sanctions on firms owned by Russian oligarch Deripaska MORE (R-N.C.) said he supported protecting veterans, but supported using chained CPI elsewhere.
“I support chained CPI, just like the president when it comes to entitlement reform,” he said.
Sanders pushed for a roll call vote, but was talked out of it by Senate Budget Chairwoman Patty Murray
Patricia (Patty) Lynn Murray'So stupid,' 'absurd' – Senate Dems condemn shutdown after talks falter House-passed stopgap measure in Senate limbo Dems say Trump is defying court order by pushing abstinence programs MORE (D-Wash.).
The Senate then voted on a proposal by Burr to create a new barrier to any proposal to raise taxes on veterans. The Murray budget calls for $1 trillion in new tax revenue and raising that amount--or any amount in the individual tax code--could effectively be blocked by the Burr provision, Democrats argued.
The Burr amendment was voted not germane to the bill by a 45 to 54 vote.
The powerful seniors lobbying group AARP hailed the vote.
“With the adoption of Senator Sanders’ amendment, the Senate makes clear the need to protect retirees, veterans and others from an unwarranted cut to their benefits. Much more than a mere technical adjustment or a ‘tweak,’ the chained CPI would, over the next ten years, take a combined $146 billion out of the pockets of America’s veterans and seniors who are already living on tight budgets," it said in a statement.
--This report was updated at 10:29 p.m.
