Rep. Matsui Statement on Social Security Cuts in CR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 18, 2011

CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163

Rep. Matsui Statement on Social Security Cuts in CR

Today, Congresswoman Matsui released the following statement in response to House Republicans proposed cuts to Social Security Administration operating budget in their Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2011:

The proposed cuts to the Social Security Administration's budget are reckless. These cuts would leave Social Security with much less than what it needs to continue operating effectively and efficiently, while eliminating thousands of jobs across the country. Social Security pays benefits to 53 million Americans, and it is imperative that Congress provide them with the resources they need to respond to beneficiaries. These cuts would severely impede their ability to provide services to beneficiaries. Social Security is a promise made to everyone who has paid into it throughout their lives, and to take away any of the Social Security Administration's current capability to fulfill that promise efficiently would be irresponsible.

Not only would seniors suffer if these cuts were enacted, but so would our economic recovery. In California alone, 363 jobs would be lost and our economy would lose $17.7 million as a result of this proposal. While I believe that we will not see actually such cuts enacted for fiscal year 2011, the proposal alone stands as a testament to Republicans lack of concern for our elderly and our disabled.

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