Rep. Matsui Statement on Introduction of One Social Security Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 22, 2015

CONTACT: JULIE EDDY

(202) 225-7163

Rep. Matsui Statement on Introduction of One Social Security Bill

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06), Co-Chair of the Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force, joined House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra as a cosponsor of the One Social Security Act. Congresswoman Matsui's statement is as follows:

"In just a few weeks, on August 14, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Social Security, making this the perfect time to discuss ways to protect the program and make it even better.

"Seniors and people with disabilities rely on both Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, together. Many seniors qualify for SSDI and disabled workers who live to Social Security retirement age are automatically switched from receiving SSDI to receiving retirement payments.

"Social Security Disability Insurance is a lifeline to 11 million hard-working Americans and their dependents. These Americans worked hard for their benefits, but due to severe injury or illness, can no longer work.

"In fact, the average American receiving Social Security due to a disability worked for 22 years to earn Social Security benefits before becoming too disabled to continue working.

"These earned benefits mean a nurse whose back injury ended her career can pay rent. It means food on the table for the electrician and his children after a debilitating car accident. And it means life-saving medication for a retired construction worker.

"We cannot allow two pieces of the Social Security program to be split in order to make cuts and tear the program down. That is why we are introducing the One Social Security bill to keep the promises that we have made to Americans that they will be secure when they are no longer able to work."

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