Expanding Social Security

The “Expand Social Security” Caucus: Sign of Growing Momentum in Congress 

Too many older Americans struggle to make ends meet. We’ve told politicians in Washington for years that an average monthly Social Security benefit of $1,413 is not enough to ensure a dignified retirement. In fact, it puts the average retiree just above the poverty level. 

This fact hasn’t stopped politicians from looking to cut or privatize Social Security time and again. And throughout 2018 we’ve heard near-constant threats, from top GOP officials both inside and outside the administration, to slash so-called “entitlement” spending in order to rein in federal deficits caused by the tax scam Congress passed in 2017. 

Retirees know how important Social Security is to our quality of life, and that it needs to be protected for us and for future generations. We have earned these benefits, and we will not let anyone take them without a fight.

The newly formed Congressional Expand Social Security Caucus is comprised of more than 150 Democrats from the House and Senate who are committed to protecting, strengthening, and expanding Social Security. 

In the Senate, the Expand Caucus is chaired by Senators Bernie Sanders (VT) and Elizabeth Warren (MA). In the House, co-chairs include Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI), Raúl Grijalva (AZ), Conor Lamb (PA), John Larson (CT), and Terri Sewell (AL).

Expanding Social Security will help all retirees, present and future, to have the secure retirement they worked a lifetime to achieve. We must support elected officials, like the members of this caucus, who understand that Social Security must be expanded to keep pace with retirees’ actual expenses. 

Robert Roach, Jr. is president of the Alliance for Retired Americans.  He was previously General Secretary‐Treasurer of the IAMAW.  For more information, visit www.retiredamericans.org.