Despite trillion dollar spending, federal officials are considering cutting Social Security and Medicare payments.
The cuts would be aimed at lowering the federal deficit – without lowering individual contributions to the programs.
An AARP survey found that 85% of Americans age 50+ oppose cutting Social Security and Medicare.
The poll shows overwhelming opposition from both Republicans (88%) and Democrats (87%) on cutting Social Security benefits to pay down the deficit. 
Similarly high proportions of Republicans (86%) and Democrats (87%) strongly oppose cuts to Medicare.
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live.
“Proposals like the TRUST Act would give a handful of lawmakers the power to propose cuts behind closed doors with fast-track legislative consideration with minimum transparency and oversight from voters,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President. “On behalf of AARP’s nearly 38 million members, we call for full and open debate that ensures public input on protecting the future of our earned benefits. All members of Congress should be held accountable for any action on Social Security and Medicare.”
The Chronicle has asked members of our Congressional delegation how they feel about the proposal.
AARP is urging Americans to make their voices heard in support of Social Security and Medicare. 
To date, nearly 250,000 letters and calls have been sent to federal lawmakers asking them to oppose the TRUST Act.
The bill would create a 12-member committee to fast-track cuts targeting Social Security and Medicare. 
These types of bills are flawed, promote agism and polarization and violate Americans' trust since they do not provide open and accountable deliberation, LeaMond said. 
Elected officials should instead focus on meeting the health and retirement income needs of all Americans, she said.
Additional survey findings:
• People age 65 and older (89%) are slightly more likely than those age 50 to 64 (81%) to strongly oppose cutting Medicare benefits.
• People age 65 and older (87%) are slightly more likely than those age 50 to 64 (83%) to strongly oppose reducing Social Security.
 Polled were 1,016 adults ages 50 and older. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.33%.
 
To comment, please email JerryBellune@yahoo.com

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