Boyle Statement on Anniversary of First Social Security Check

Press Release

Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan F. Boyle, Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee, released the following statement on the 83rd anniversary of the first Social Security check:

"Eighty-three years ago today, Social Security issued its very first check, beginning a sacred contract between generations. Today, Social Security lifts 16 million older adults, and one million children, above the poverty line. It's hands down the most successful anti-poverty program we have.

"Social Security has never missed a payment before. But with Republicans openly plotting a debt limit default -- and making clear they would rather try to pay foreign bondholders than fulfill our nation's promise to American seniors who paid into Social Security their entire lives -- this vital program is at risk.

"Republicans' weaponization of the debt ceiling is just their latest scheme to end Social Security as we know it, whether through privatization, raising the retirement age, or fast-tracking legislation to cut this vital program. Democrats will always stand up to protect our seniors' retirement security and the Social Security benefits they have earned."

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