Baldwin Condemns Republican Opposition to Cost-of-Living Increase for Seniors

Press Release

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) today condemned House Republicans' opposition to a Social Security cost-of-living increase for seniors calling it a "slap in the face to some of our most vulnerable citizens."

The Seniors Protection Act (H.R. 5987), voted on today in the House, would provide 54 million seniors with a one-time payment of $250, given that there will be no automatic cost-of-living adjustment for the country's seniors in 2011. In Wisconsin, more than one million beneficiaries are affected. The bill was defeated after a suspension vote requiring 2/3 majority failed along party lines.

"Social Security, whose roots can be traced to two Wisconsin economists, has been an American success story, saving many seniors from poverty and permitting them a secure retirement. That is why I have been fighting for the passage of the Seniors Protection Act," Baldwin explained.

Since the announcement that there would be no automatic cost-of-living increase in 2011 for those who depend on Social Security, Congresswoman Baldwin has heard from several hundred concerned area seniors worried about making ends meet in these difficult times. "Just because there is no cost-of-living adjustment, that does not mean that Wisconsin seniors are not seeing their costs for food, medicine, fuel and housing rise," Baldwin said.

"In these tough economic times, I'm appalled that my Republican colleagues are ignoring the needs of senior citizens, many of whom live on fixed incomes, while insisting on massive tax cuts for the very wealthiest Americans. This $250 payment would help seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who receive Social Security make ends meet when many Americans are facing rising expenses. Voting against this measure is just a slap in the face to some of our most vulnerable citizens," Baldwin said.

Democrats have pledged to provide this Social Security payment in a fiscally responsible way.

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