Congress
An Early 2026 Update on Congressional Activity on Social Security’s Insolvency Problem
Despite the popular notion that congressional attention to Social Security’s looming insolvency should be a top priority, not much has been happening on that front so far. Yes, there are a number of competing priorities, not the least of which…
A To-Do List for Congress
Well, it’s last on the list, but Social Security (and Medicare) reform made it onto Congress’s 2026 priorities list… at least on the list of pressing congressional matters compiled by PBS NewsHour correspondent Lisa Desjardins and posted on their website…
Musings on Social Security Through the Years
As 2025 winds to a close and we reflect on the somewhat steady stream of commentary about Social Security’s financial problems and its imminent insolvency, now seems a good time to take a breath and reflect on history. We’ve often…
Government Shutdown? Medicare and Social Security Benefits to Continue Uninterrupted
With much partisan rhetoric, Washington, D.C. Democrats and Republicans seem to be headed for an impasse when it comes to keeping government daily operations funded after September 30th. Both sides seem to be locked into their respective legislative priorities, with…
Americans feel strongly about Social Security
Americans feel strongly about Social Security and are worried about its future, according to two recent surveys. The first, commissioned by the Bipartisan Policy Center’s American Savings Education Council (ASEC) and conducted by Public First, found that “93 percent of…
WEP-GPO Repeal: The Easy Way Out?
The Senate and House of Representatives have blessed the Social Security Fairness Act, and final enactment into law rests with President Biden. While he’s expected to sign the bill, there is a bit of speculation about the impact it will…
Floor Vote on H.R. 82 (WEP/GPO Repeal) Likely for November
The bipartisan discharge petition initiated by Rep. Garret Graves, R-La, and Rep. Abigal Spanberger, D-Va, has achieved the required number of signatures to force a floor vote. The Bill, titled “Social Security Fairness Act of 2023,” would, if passed, repeal…
Ask Rusty – Does Congress Pay into Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I’ve been told that members of Congress do not have Social Security deducted from their pay; Additionally, that their retirement dollars come from the Social Security Administration purse even if they only serve as a member of Congress…
Ways to alleviate Social Security’s Insolvency
Both Social Security and Medicare are popular with Americans on both sides of the aisle, but their is a deep divide on how to fix the situation. Some possibilities include, raising the tax limit, raising taxes, and raising the Full…
Social Security’s Insolvency: Is it Time to Self-Insure?
This week’s issue of the 2024 Social Security Trustees Report product with it a mixed message–a slight improvement in the date for total depletion of the program’s financial reserves, along with a reminder that the program remains on a path…