Schakowsky, Matsui, and Murphy Introduce Resolution to Protect and Expand Social Security

Statement

Today Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Doris Matsui, Patrick Murphy and 57 of their colleagues introduced H.Res. 393, a resolution expressing Congressional support for efforts to protect and expand Social Security while securing its long-term future. The resolution is included below. Representatives Schakowsky and Matsui are co-chairs and Representative Murphy is a member of the House Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force.

Social Security, which celebrates its 80th anniversary on August 14, provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to more than 59 million Americans. With one monthly contribution, working men and women purchase financial security and have the peace of mind of knowing that their earned benefits will be there when they need them.

For 80 years, Social Security has provided guaranteed, inflation-adjusted benefits, without ever missing a payment. Social Security keeps nearly 15 million seniors, 1 million children and 6 million non-elderly adults out of poverty. Social Security provides the majority of income for two out of three retirees and 7 out of 10 households receiving disability benefits.

The resolution recognizes that Social Security earned benefits, although essential, are extremely modest. The average monthly earned benefit for a retired worker in 2015 is $1,305 and for a disabled worker $1,146. It calls on Congress to protect and expand Social Security benefits while taking steps to ensure its long-term financial future.

Rep. Schakowsky: "Our nation faces a retirement crisis. The average working American has only $2,500 in retirement savings -- those nearing retirement have only $14,500. Social Security was supposed to be one leg of a three-legged stool -- along with pensions and retirement savings. With an erosion of defined benefit pensions and inadequate retirement savings, Social Security today is more important than ever. We can and must build on Social Security's very sturdy foundation to expand benefits so that older Americans, disabled workers and their families can live in dignity and meet their basic needs."

Rep. Matsui: "Americans who work hard and play by the rules deserve a dignified and secure retirement, which Social Security makes possible. It's our job as lawmakers to preserve and strengthen it. I am also acutely aware of Social Security's impact on women and families. Women on average live longer than men, earn less throughout their working life, and spend more time out of the workforce caring for children and parents. Social Security is key to ensuring that older women do not have to live in poverty."

Rep. Murphy:"Social Security is a sacred trust, a compact between seniors and their government, that says that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can live your golden years free from poverty. Even as this bedrock program faces attacks from the Tea Party, Social Security remains a lifeline for our nation's middle class and lifts 20 million senior citizens and disabled Americans out of poverty. I am proud to join the leadership of the Seniors Task Force to defend Social Security and make it stronger."