Issue Position: Our Seniors

Issue Position

Jerry is a vigorous defender of the Social Security and Medicare programs, which have been the bedrock upon which senior citizens have depended for economic security and health care for generations. He has consistently fought the Republicans in their attempts to discredit Social Security or warn of non-existent crises on the horizon. Jerry made the case early on that doom and gloom fear mongering about the solvency of Social Security was merely an attempt to privatize that solvent and efficient program. He has consistently pushed back against attempts to privatize -- and undermine -- all of these vital programs, and is committed to strengthening their long-term viability.

Barbara Kennelly, of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, stated, "When so many in Washington are using fancy words to hide their intention to dismantle Social Security, Jerry stood out as one public official using the simplest word possible - 'NO!' Senior citizens in New York and America have a true champion in Jerry Nadler."

Jerry has sponsored and supported numerous bills designed to protect seniors, including the Social Security Amendments Act, which would balance the Social Security system for at least 75 years without altering the retirement age or reducing benefits or privatization; and the Senior Citizenship Act, which would streamline citizenship requirements for older immigrants. He has also worked extensively on behalf of elderly immigrants from the Former Soviet Union to secure unpaid pensions from their former homelands.

Jerry is a member of the Congressional Older Americans Caucus and he has earned 100% ratings from the National Council of Senior Citizens, the Alliance for Retired Americans, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

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