Over 150 Democratic legislators have created a new caucus to defend and expand Social Security, The Hill reports.
The Expand Social Security Caucus is headed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in the Upper Chamber and Reps. John Larson, D-Conn., Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., and Conor Lamb, D-Pa., and was announced Thursday morning in a press release.
The lawmakers claim that although President Donald Trump promised to "save" Social Security, his budget proposal "would have cut Social Security by some $72 billion over a 10-year period."
"Social Security is a lifeline for seniors and Americans with disabilities. We won't let it be cut by one cent – and instead we will fight to expand it," Warren said. "The rich and powerful have rigged our economy to make themselves richer, while working families face a massive retirement crisis. If this government really works for the people, it should protect and expand Social Security."
"Social Security is not an entitlement. It’s the insurance that American workers have paid for. The members of this caucus will always fight for Social Security and the workers who have earned their benefits," said Larson.
"We are here today to say very loudly and very clearly that at a time when millions of seniors are trying to survive on $12,000 or $13,000 a year, our job is not to cut Social Security. Our job is to expand Social Security so that everyone in America can retire with dignity and respect," said Sanders.