or Login to see your representatives.



Public Statements

Begich Reintroduces Social Security Bill, Pleased Companion Bill Dropped In House

Press Release

Location: Unknown



"Our seniors deserve to have the certainty of knowing that the benefits they worked hard to earn will be there when they need them. And this bill isn't just about protecting our seniors it is also about common-sense long-term fiscal planning," said Sen. Begich.

"The current debate over our federal deficit should not be used as an excuse to cut benefits or privatize Social Security, which operates off its own independent revenue stream and does not contribute to the federal deficit," said Congressman Deutch. "Social Security is fundamentally sound, and with modest adjustments, the system can continue protecting all Americans from destitution resulting from old age, an unexpected disability, or the death of a breadwinner."

How the Bill works:


* Lifts the Cap on High-Income Contributions. Current law sets a cap based on income at $113,700 for paying into Social Security. If an individual's wages hit that total for the year, they no longer pay into the program. Sen. Begich's bill lifts the cap and asks higher income earners to pay Social Security on all their earnings in order to increase the program's revenue stream and extend the overall solvency of the program.

Gaining Support from Groups:


"The Alliance for Retired Americans strongly endorses the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act. This vital bill not only protects and improves the benefits of seniors and the disabled, but also strengthens the long-term fiscal solvency of the program," said Ed Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans. "The proposal ensures long-term solvency by gradually lifting the cap on wages for high income earners. At the same time, the plan enhances benefits by applying a more accurate cost-of-living adjustment guaranteeing that seniors' benefits keep up with their daily needs."

Nancy Altman, founding co-director of Social Security Works, said, "Sen. Begich's and Rep. Deutch's legislation ensures that today's youngest workers can count on getting Social Security's vital but modest benefits when they retire. It also ensures that all workers and their families will continue to be protected for the foreseeable future if they become disabled or die prematurely. They achieve all of this by simply requiring the wealthiest among us to contribute at the same rate as all other workers. Their constituents and the entire nation are fortunate to have such visionary and wise leaders."

Back to top