Larson Commends Tri-Caucus and Task Force on Aging and Families Leadership Calling for Vote on Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust

Statement

Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) released the following statement commending the leadership of the Congressional Tri-Caucus -- composed of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) - and the Task Force on Aging and Families for their letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi supporting Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust and calling for it to be brought to the House floor for a vote.

"Increasing Social Security benefits would uplift everyone but would be especially impactful for people of color in our country, as they are more likely to rely on these benefits," said Larson. "I'm honored Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust has the support of the Tri-Caucus and the Task Force on Aging and Families because they know what some of our nation's most vulnerable need. We will continue working together to bring this bill for a vote so we can deliver the improved benefits our nation's beneficiaries need now!"

"Importantly, H.R. 5723 not only expands benefits both across-the-board and in targeted ways, it cuts Social Security's projected shortfall by more than half," said the members. "President Biden has called Social Security a "sacred trust' -- a promise made by the federal government to its people. It is Congress' responsibility to ensure that Social Security's benefits are protected and improved. It's time we deliver.

The modest benefits Social Security currently provides are a lifeline for many of our constituents," the members continued. "Whether they be retired seniors, disabled veterans, or children who've lost a parent -- millions rely on Social Security. Expanding and strengthening this vital institution, as H.R. 5723 does, will demonstrably improve their lives and our nation's economy."

"Social Security provides crucial economic security for all Americans," said Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works. "These benefits are particularly vital for people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community and others who have faced discrimination. We need to expand Social Security's modest benefits so that everyone in America can enjoy a secure retirement, no matter where they are from, who they love, or what they look like.

We stand with House Democrats in the CBC, CHC, CAPAC, and TFAF in support of Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust. It's time to get every House member on the record by holding a floor vote on the bill, prior to November, so voters know where their representatives stand," Altman continued.

"National Committee members and other seniors firmly believe that if Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust is brought up for a vote in the House, it will pass. We are closer than we've ever been to strengthening the Social Security program and providing retirees, the disabled and their families with the improved benefits that they have earned. Seniors, especially Black Americans who rely more heavily on Social Security because of a lack of other income in retirement, are counting on Congress to get this bill passed and signed into law," said Max Richtman, President and CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

Click here for a PDF of the letter.

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