Congress Has Not Done Anything In 53 Years About Social Security, Says U.S. Rep. John Larson

In a recent address to the Speaker of the House and Congress on the House Floor, U.S. Rep. John Larson passionately called for immediate action on Social Security reform. Highlighting the program’s critical importance, Larson described it as the nation's number one anti-poverty initiative for the elderly and children.

Larson began by underscoring the sheer scale of Social Security's impact. "There are now close to 70 million Americans that rely on Social Security," he stated. "Forty percent of whom, for a pension, that is the only benefit that they have." This statistic alone, he argued, underscores the essential role that Social Security plays in providing a safety net in the United States.

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"Imagine that 10,000 baby boomers a day become eligible for Social Security," Larson continued, stressing the urgency of addressing the program's future. He lamented that Congress has not significantly enhanced Social Security in over half a century. "Richard Nixon was the president of the United States the last time Social Security was enhanced," he noted, emphasizing lawmakers’ long-standing neglect of the program.

Larson pointed out the stark reality faced by millions of Americans. "Five million of our fellow citizens get below-poverty-level checks from Social Security," he said, describing the program as "the greatest insurance program in the nation's history." Despite its importance, Congress has failed to enhance and protect it.

Turning his attention to specific figures, Larson detailed the impact of Social Security on the state of Idaho's First District. "There are 219,000 plus Social Security recipients, 170,000 plus who are retirees, 21,000 who get disability. There are 10,000 plus widows, 5,600 spouses, 11,000 children in Idaho who rely on Social Security," he shared. This brings $388 million monthly into the district, funds critical for local economies.

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Larson echoed President Biden's suggestion of lifting the cap on earnings subject to Social Security taxes for high-income individuals. "Why shouldn't everybody pay the same?" he asked, arguing that such a change could significantly enhance the program's sustainability. Lifting the cap on earnings over $400,000 would mean those earning significantly more contribute fairly, according to Larson, ensuring the program's viability and expansion across the country.

Highlighting bipartisan recognition of the issue, Larson noted that even former President Donald Trump has indicated a shift in the Republican platform to protect Social Security. However, Larson argued that mere protection is insufficient. "It's not enough to protect Social Security. Congress hasn't done anything in more than 53 years."

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In a call to action, Larson urged citizens to demand that Congress take immediate steps to address Social Security's shortcomings. "What Congress needs to do is not talk about it. It needs to vote," he declared. The failure to act, he warned, would continue to leave millions of Americans, especially the growing number of retirees, without adequate financial support.

Larson concluded his address with a powerful reminder of Social Security's fundamental purpose. "Social Security is the number one anti-poverty program for the elderly, and also the number one anti-poverty program for children," he affirmed. "Citizens in the gallery and across this nation should demand that the United States Congress vote on Social Security and correct something that's gone in disrepair for more than 50 years."

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