Bera Gets Support of Alliance for Retired Americans

Press Release

In his second endorsement from a seniors group just this week, Dr. Ami Bera today received the support of the Alliance for Retired Americans for his record of fighting cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

"The Alliance for Retired Americans is proud to endorse Dr. Ami Bera, a committed ally to America's seniors, who has been a leader in the fight to preserve and protect Social Security and Medicare from privatization and benefit cuts," said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans. "On the other hand, former Congressman Doug Ose, who is running against Dr. Bera, voted to privatize Social Security when he was in Congress, knowing it would make Wall Street banks billions and take away guaranteed benefits from America's seniors. That's why he earned a 0 percent rating from the Alliance three years in a row."

"It's my honor and my duty to stand up for American's seniors, and as a doctor, I know how much they depend on Medicare and Social Security," said Bera. "The last thing our seniors need is to have their retirement security gambled away on the stock market.That's why I kept my oath to refuse a Congressional pension until Medicare and Social Security are secure for today's seniors and for future generations. "

The Alliance for retired Americans represent more than 4.3 million retirees, older Americans, and community activists including more than 333,586 members in California.

Dr. Bera has a clear record of standing up for seniors in Sacramento County:

-In 2012, Congressman Bera made an oath that he would not take a Congressional pension until Medicare and Social Security were secure. He's kept his promise and gave his 2012 pension back to the U.S. Treasury.

-Dr. Bera has also stood up against the irresponsible Republican budget that would end the Medicare guarantee and Social Security.

-Bera was endorsed by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare earlier this week.

-He urged President Obama to oppose any cuts to, "Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits in any final bill to replace sequestration."

-Bera is a member of the Seniors Task Force, which focuses on finding ways to help seniors achieve financial security, access affordable, reliable healthcare, and improve quality of life as they age.

-Dr. Bera said in a statement, "The Simpson-Bowles report is far from perfect--it doesn't do enough to safeguard Medicare and to protect Social Security benefits for current and future retirees."

Dr. Ami Bera represents Sacramento County in Congress. He's working to make Congress a place for service and fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families. As a leader of the No Labels' Problem Solvers, Bera is leading the charge to find bipartisan solutions to our nation's challenges, and worked to pass the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress don't pass a budget, they don't get paid. He and his wife Janine live in Elk Grove with their daughter Sydra.

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