WASHINGTON, D.C.—(ENEWSPF)—November 22, 2011. Yesterday, House Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force co-chairs Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) released the following statement in response to the failure of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to reach an agreement to address the country’s debt.
“It is unfortunate that the Super Committee was unable to reach a fair, balanced agreement that could have achieved the dual purpose of cutting America’s deficit and creating new jobs. However, we applaud the Democratic members of the Super Committee for refusing to go along with the extreme Republican agenda of tax cuts for the rich and deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Throughout this process, Congressional Republicans continued to block progress by insisting that millionaires and billionaires deserve more tax breaks at the expense of 99% of all Americans – including senior citizens and their families. We, like the overwhelming majority of our constituents, believe that we cannot ask seniors to pay more for health care and long-term care or see cuts in their already modest Social Security benefits while the wealthiest among us are not asked to contribute.
Democrats were not willing to give in to Republican demands for a one-sided plan that would have sacrificed Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid so the wealthy can get more tax cuts. There are reasonable pathways to create jobs, protect our seniors and reduce the long-term deficit. It is regrettable Congressional Republicans refused to consider them.”
For more information on the Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force, visit www.dems.gov/seniors
Source: Schakowsky.house.gov
