WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Nancy LeaMond issued the following statement today following the House Budget Committee vote approving fiscal commission proposals that include Social Security and Medicare:

“Today’s vote by the House Budget Committee sets up a process where 7 Members of Congress can ram through drastic cuts to Social Security and Medicare, without amendment, and without a full public debate.

“Social Security and Medicare are critical to American families. This is their money, and benefits they have earned. Congress should work to strengthen and protect these programs in the full light of day, with public input through the regular legislative process.

“AARP and the 100 million older Americans we advocate for will not stand by and watch their hard-earned benefits cut.”

Last year, AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins sent a letter to all House and Senate members expressing AARP’s deep concerns with the inclusion of Social Security and Medicare in debates around debt and deficit spending.

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About AARP 
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.