Murphy Introduces House Companion To Sen. Warren Bill To Increase Social Security Benefits

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Tammy Duckworth (IL-08) and Patrick E. Murphy (FL-18) introduced the Seniors and Veterans Emergency Benefits (SAVE Benefits) Act to help seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities make ends meet through a one-time emergency increase in benefits. This would help alleviate the financial strain felt by millions of Americans following the Social Security Administration's announcement in October that there would not be a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries in 2016. This legislation currently has the support of 8 members in the House and is the companion to S. 2251, legislation recently introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren along with 18 of her colleagues in the Senate.

"With one in three Florida seniors relying on Social Security as their only source of income and another 1.2 million depending on it to stay out of poverty, the announcement that there would be no COLA increase next year was particularly devastating. With prescription drug prices through the roof, we need to do more to make sure our seniors, veterans, and disabled workers aren't left behind," said Rep. Murphy. "This bill takes a responsible approach to provide much-needed support to millions of our most vulnerable citizens to help them make ends meet and live in dignity. I am proud to work with Congresswoman Duckworth, Senator Warren, and our Congressional leaders to move this important measure forward that puts our seniors and veterans first."

"Veterans know not to leave anyone behind but without Congressional action that's exactly what our government will do to them--as well as millions of seniors and people with disabilities--at the end of the year," said Rep. Duckworth. "I'm proud to work with Senator Warren to ensure seniors and those who have sacrificed for our nation receive the respect and support they deserve."

"If we do nothing, on January 1st, more than 70 million seniors, veterans, and other Americans won't get an extra dime in much-needed Social Security and other benefits. And while Congress sits on its hands and pretends that there's nothing we can do, taxpayers will keep right on subsidizing billions of dollars' worth of bonuses for highly paid CEOs," Senator Warren said. "Giving seniors a little help with their Social Security and stitching up corporate tax write-offs isn't just about economics; it's about our values. Congress should pass the SAVE Benefits Act today to give a boost to millions of Americans who have earned it."

The SAVE Benefits Act is supported by AFGE, AFL-CIO, AFSCME, Alliance for Retired Americans, The Arc of the United States, B'nai B'rith International, Campaign for America's Future, Center for Community Change Action, Center for Effective Government, CREDO, Daily Kos, Democracy for America, Economic Opportunity Institute, International Brotherhood of the Teamsters, Justice in Aging, MoveOn.org, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, National Council of La Raza, National Organization for Women, OWL-the Voice of Women 40+, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action, Social Security Works, Strengthen Social Security Coalition, UltraViolet, and VoteVets.

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