AARP Calls for Clean Bill to Avert GOP-led Default
The American people have had enough of Republican chaos. Writing on behalf of its 38 million members, the AARP has sent a letter to Congress calling for a clean bill to protect the full faith and credit of the United States – and to protect the retirement, health and financial security of seniors and hard-working families:
On behalf of our 38 million members and as the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing the interests of Americans age 50 and older and their families, AARP writes to urge that you take steps to avoid default on our national debt without risking benefits for current Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries or the health of our fragile economy…
As you know, the United States government has never defaulted on its debt, and U.S. Treasury bonds are widely considered one of the safest -- if not the safest -- investments in the world. Honoring the full faith and credit of the United States is a core value of our country and fundamental to the economic security of all Americans, not just retirees. As such, the impact of defaulting on any U.S. debt obligation would be felt by all Americans, not just those on Social Security and Medicare…
Our members are worried that the benefits they have earned may be cut as part of a deal to reduce the deficit, fund government operations, or increase the debt ceiling, and they are increasingly worried that if there is no agreement very soon, they may not receive their Social Security checks and may lose access to their health care.
AARP urges you to reach a quick resolution to the debt ceiling issue without putting at risk the Social Security and Medicare benefits that older Americans have earned and need.
The full faith and credit of the United States – and the economic security of America's seniors and families – are not a hostage for radical Republicans' toxic agenda. It's time for the House GOP to bring forward a clean bill to avert catastrophe.