Posted on 02/08/2023 6:53:54 AM PST by SeekAndFind
The debt ceiling limit is back in the news. In the past, political leaders have responded to concerns about this issue by suggesting that Social Security checks might not go out on time should Congress not agree on another debt ceiling extension.
This begs the obvious question: Why a program with a $2.8 trillion reserve cannot pay benefits on time?
Pundits have weighed in on the subject, as have the fact checkers who largely agree that checks should not be at risk -- at least in theory. It is time for the Treasury Department to explain why Social Security checks might not be sent, and what steps have been taken to protect seniors who depend on the monthly checks.
In 2021, the last time this question surfaced, Treasury secretary Yellen wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal suggesting that 50 million seniors “could stop receiving benefits for a time.”
Clearly, “could” is a puzzling choice of words considering that Social Security serves as a lifeline for many of America’s senior citizens. Telling these Americans that “their monthly checks are in danger” conveys a cavalier attitude to the needs of the elderly.
If there is any uncertainty about how Social Security would work in a situation where the government’s finances get tight, the question should move to the top of the priority list. “Could” implies that the question is not at the top list.
The history of the question makes me wonder whether it is on the list at all. It has lingered for more than a decade, dating back to 2011, when Barack Obama warned that “checks might not go out” in a CBS News interview.
(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...
“Sure, they won’t stop welfare benefits, services for illegals, or the sending of billions and billions of $$$ to ukraine - but they will cut off SS checks first, and then blame republicans.”
it’s like when budgets are threatened in small town cities, they always threatens the service used by the most diverse group of citizens, namely the library ...
I think we all know the answer: because this administration and its globalist predecessors have been raiding the surplus to put up illegal aliens in four and five star hotels, encourage promiscuity and enable substance abusers, among other things!
Think of the countless businesses, services, and individual incomes that would instantly grind to a halt, billions in late fees, unpaid rent, assistants staying home, chair batteries unreplaced, medications delayed, old people dying etc, chaos beyond belief.
I wouldn’t want to be the party that did that.
Social Security Trust Fund implies legal separation from general finances.
We pay into it...they spend it faster than it comes in.
“The person in office who tries this (and probably Yellen too) will get tarred and feathered.”
That is the strategy. The administration will stop the checks in order to blame it on the Republicans for refusing to rubber stamp their prolifigate spending and the MSM will supply a deafening crenscendo of amens. The Republicans will fold.
Correct................
The Next story will be we’re giving Ukraine billions more.
Sorry, furriners, Social Security got the first court order to seize incoming revenue.
Well if we can come up with trillions to pay people not to work, we can come up with trillions to support the people who worked hard their entire lives.
Debtors under bankruptcy can have funds exempt from creditors owed valid debt.
10% for the Big Guy!................
Why the republicans don’t point out that democrats could have raised the cap before they were voted out. A day after republicans took the house suddenly the debt limit was a national emergency. I think it was deliberate by the democrats who knew they’d lose the house. Now the media is saying come on republicans, lift the limit or we’ll have a depression. Ridiculous: but democrats definitely fight better.
The Soldiers and Sailors Act of 1940 allowed members of the armed forces to delay payment of debt.
Millions of Americans owe valid debt that was not paid on time.
As I said before, the way to go is many bills, each with a modest debt limit increase for a modest spending reduction or rollback (or a regulatory or legal reform or even a desirable judicial resignation).
Pass these bills in the House. Let the Democrats be 100% responsible for not increasing the debt limit enough.
Don’t give Joe hundreds of reasons not to sign one bill.
Give Chuck & Joe hundreds of opportunities to be reasonable.
That should be broadcast every day until Dumbocrat voters get the message. They and us are being played.
Somebody needs to tell these people 50 years behind the times that there are literally NO Social Security checks mailed out. It’s all mandatory direct deposit.
Why aren’t they still talking about hitching posts instead of parking lots?
Or as someone sang way back when, “perfecting ways of making sealing wax.”
It would require an intentional act by the administration. Would not happen otherwise.
Ukraine aka military industrial complex contractor owners and 10% to the Big Guy “could stop receiving benefits for a time”.
They may have to hold off buying that fifth house in Monaco.
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