ICYMI—AARP: We Need a Quick Resolution to the Debt Ceiling Issue Without Putting Social Security and Medicare at Risk

Wanted to be sure you saw the below letter from the AARP to Congress in support of a clean debt limit bill to pay our nation’s bills. It is time for Republicans to stop governing by cirsis and step up to honor the full faith and credit of the United States, while taking care of our country’s seniors.

Dear Representative:

On behalf of our 38 million members and as the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing the interests of Americans age 50 and older and their families, AARP writes to urge that you take steps to avoid default on our national debt without risking benefits for current Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries or the health of our fragile economy.  Older Americans care very deeply about our country, and many are grandparents who feel a sense of stewardship and responsibility to make sure that their grandchildren enjoy the same opportunities and benefits our great nation has provided to them.  At the same time, millions of older Americans rely every day on their Social Security and Medicare and deserve reassurance that the benefits they have worked over a lifetime to earn are secure. Therefore, it is critical that the United States does not default on its debt while protecting the Social Security and Medicare benefits of current retirees.

As you know, the United States government has never defaulted on its debt, and U.S. Treasury bonds are widely considered one of the safest -- if not the safest -- investments in the world. Honoring the full faith and credit of the United States is a core value of our country and fundamental to the economic security of all Americans, not just retirees.  As such, the impact of defaulting on any U.S. debt obligation would be felt by all Americans, not just those on Social Security and Medicare. Consequently, we strongly urge that the debt limit of the United States government not be breached and that the full faith and credit of the United States continue to apply to all debt obligations held by the government.

While we know older Americans are deeply concerned about the nation’s fiscal health, we also know that they want to make sure the promises made to them regarding Medicare and Social Security are honored and the safety net of Medicaid is protected.  Our members are worried that the benefits they have earned may be cut as part of a deal to reduce the deficit, fund government operations, or increase the debt ceiling, and they are increasingly worried that if there is no agreement very soon, they may not receive their Social Security checks and may lose access to their health care.

AARP urges you to reach a quick resolution to the debt ceiling issue without putting at risk the Social Security and Medicare benefits that older Americans have earned and need.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, or have your staff call Joyce Rogers, our Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, at 202-434-3750.

Sincerely,

Nancy LeaMond

Executive Vice President