As Social Security Turns 80, Leader Pelosi And Congressman Becerra Call For Protecting Earned Benefits For Future Generations

Press Release

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Xavier Becerra and Members of the Los Angeles Congressional Delegation -- joined by Angelenos who spoke about how their earned Social Security benefits have helped them in tough times, sometimes to save their life -- celebrated Social Security's 80th Anniversary at Los Angeles City College (LACC) this morning.

"Social Security is a bedrock promise to every generation of Americans," Leader Pelosi said. "For 80 years, Social Security has guaranteed a future of basic security and dignity to hard-working American families. As Ranking Member of the Social Security Subcommittee, Congressman Becerra has been a tenacious and innovative leader in keeping the sacred promise of Social Security for the future and fighting efforts to diminish it."

Recently, Congressman Becerra introduced H.R. 3150, the One Social Security Act, to protect Social Security benefits from cuts in 2016. If the cuts occur, they will be the result of a manufactured crisis: a new rule in Congress doesn't allow Congress to move funds from one part of Social Security to another, making it seem as if funding for Social Security benefits has fallen short.

Social Security has the money to pay the benefits -- The program is strong, with a $2.8 trillion surplus that was built up by American workers. Nearly one hundred and seventy million workers pay into Social Security, and more than 59 million Americans are receiving benefits they earned through years of hard work.

"For 80 years now, Social Security has paid benefits in full, and on time to every American who has earned them," said Congressman Becerra. "Whether you retire, become disabled, or need to leave something behind for loved ones who survive you, this critical program can save your health or your family's financial well-being -- or both."

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