[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 7, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Social Security and Medicare

  Finally, Mr. President, on Social Security, yesterday, a new report 
showed the strengths of Social Security and Medicare have improved 
because of the economic upswing we are seeing under President Biden.
  The New York Times headline said:

       Strong Labor Market Steadied Social Security and Medicare 
     Funds.

  But yesterday's report came with a warning: Social Security and 
Medicare still face long-term challenges to solvency. The lives of tens 
of millions could be thrown into chaos if these programs are not 
protected.
  So let's not forget that, year after year, Republicans have made 
clear where they stand. Instead of working with Democrats to strengthen 
Social Security and Medicare, they want to put them on the chopping 
block. A little over a month ago, Donald Trump said on the campaign 
trail that there is ``a lot you can do in terms of entitlements in 
terms of cutting.''
  Around the same time, the Republican Study Committee, which 
represents 80 percent of all House Republicans, called for $1.5 
trillion--$1.5 trillion--in cuts to Social Security and raising the 
retirement age to 67. Donald Trump didn't hesitate to give tax cuts to 
the ultrarich and large corporations, but he thinks there is ``a lot 
you can do'' to cut programs that millions of American families rely on 
every single day. That is beyond callous. It is just wrong-headed. It 
hurts people a lot.
  The difference between Democrats and hard-right Republicans couldn't 
be more stark. This year, we will make sure the American people know 
it.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.