Is Medicare and Social Security Funding in Jeopardy?
Summary from the AllSides News Team
In his second State of the Union address, President Joe Biden accused “some Republicans” of seeking to cut funding to Medicare and Social Security programs. Is that true?
Key Quotes: Biden stated, “instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset. I am not saying that is a majority. Anybody who doubts it, contact my office and I will give you a copy of the proposal.” After some Republicans heckled this comment, Biden stated, “so folks, as we all apparently agree, Social Security and Medicare is off the books now,” which garnered applause.
Are Programs At Risk? An article in ABC News quoted House Speaker Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) stating that Social Security and Medicare cuts were “off the table.” An article in Newsweek stated that Biden’s claim “appeared to be referencing a plan released last year by Senator Rick Scott of Florida” that proposed a five-year sunset clause on all federal legislation— requiring programs to be reapproved every five years. The article listed Republican lawmakers who have made statements regarding changes to the programs, but quoted Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) stating that Medicare and Social Security cuts “will not be part” of Republicans’ agenda.
Responding to Biden's allegations, Fox News reported on records from Biden’s tenure as a Delaware senator, where on numerous occasions he proposed legislation to “sunset” federal programs, including Social Security and Medicare, and require them to be regularly reapproved.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
Biden tangles with Republicans on Social Security and Medicare to heckles of 'liar'
President Joe Biden stood at the lectern in front of Congress to deliver his second State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night -- a speech in front of the nation that saw him plead for bipartisan cooperation amid both cheers and jeers from his legislative branch colleagues.
For much of the night, President Biden was on the offensive.
One of the night's more contentious moments came when Biden was discussing the debt ceiling and the White House's disagreements with Republicans on government borrowing and spending.
"Some...
From the Right
FLASHBACK: Biden introduced bill to sunset all federal programs — including Social Security
President Biden, while still a senator for Delaware, introduced legislation to sunset all federal programs, including Social Security and Medicare, Fox News Digital has learned.
In 1975, while Biden was in the upper chamber of Congress, the now-president put forward a bill requiring all federal programs to sunset after four years.
When pushing his bill as a senator, Biden said "it requires every program to be looked at freshly at least once every four years."
"The examination is not just of the increased cost of the program, but of the...
From the Center
List of Republicans Who Have Suggested Cutting Medicare, Social Security
During his State of the Union address on Tuesday, President Biden was heckled by several Republican politicians after claiming "some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset."
In response to his remark, a number of Republican lawmakers were heard saying "no," House Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene shouted "liar" and Speaker Kevin McCarthy could be seen shaking his head.
"Let me give you—anybody who doubts it contact my office. I'll give you a copy of the proposal," Biden said.
The president appeared to be referencing a plan released last year...
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