Issue Position: Protecting Medicare and Social Security

Issue Position

Medicare and Social Security are our nation's solemn promises to our seniors -- work hard, play by the rules, and we will make sure you get the health care and retirement security that you earned.

Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress don't see it that way; even though you worked for those paychecks and paid your fair share into the system, Republicans view these earned benefits as entitlements that are theirs to slash and use to fund tax cuts for corporations and the super-rich. We can't let that happen.

The federal government absolutely must live up to its end of the bargain on retirement benefits. Here's my plan:

Defend Social Security. I oppose any attempt to cut benefits or privatize social security. If you're eligible, you deserve the benefits that you earned. But again, Republicans believe Social Security is a political pawn, which is why I'll fight to ensure that when it comes to balancing the budget or reducing government spending, we don't do it at the expense of our seniors. This also means supporting cost-of-living adjustments and fighting against voucher schemes that prey on our most vulnerable Americans.
Ensure Medicare's long-term stability. To lower costs, Congress should implement common sense reforms like implementing electronic medical records and better coordination of services.
Leverage Medicare's negotiating power. Congress has, and must use, the tools to achieve lower prices, including for prescription drugs.
Eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. This is yet another way to help preserve and protect Medicare for generations to come.

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