Issue Position: Social Security and Medicare

Issue Position

Social Security Solvency:

In the face of the coming retirement of the baby boom generation, some are suggesting that we abandon our 50-year promise and propose schemes to "privatize" Social Security. Sherman opposed these schemes, and cosponsored legislation preventing them, because he believes it would be irresponsible to replace a guarantee with a gamble, especially in today's market.

Allowing people to opt out of the Social Security system and play the stock market can have disastrous consequences for those who are imprudent or simply unlucky.

Physician Access for Medicare Beneficiaries:

In July 2008, President Bush vetoed the Medicare Improvements Act designed to prevent a 10.6% pay-cut to doctors who treat Medicare patients, and to improve coverage of preventive health care. Sherman helped to override the President's veto, and pass this bill into law.

Deficit Reduction and Social Security:

Sherman cosponsored legislation to prohibit the federal government from borrowing from Social Security to balance our federal budget.

Fighting Medicare Fraud:

Sherman supported the Affordable Care Act (HR 3590) which contains tough new tools to prevent, detect and take strong enforcement action against fraud in Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program, as well as private insurance. Congressional Republicans have pledged to repeal these tools.

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