WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Mark S. Critz (PA-12) offered an Amendment to protect Social Security and Medicare during today’s House debate of the Appropriations Continuing Resolution (H.J.Res.48), which funds government agencies through April 8, 2011.  The Amendment failed by a vote of 190-239, when all House Republicans, except for one, voted against the bill.

The Critz Motion to Recommit Amendment would prohibit funds in the legislation from being used to develop or implement a system that cuts Social Security benefits or that privatizes Social Security.  The Amendment also would prohibit funds from being used to develop or implement a system that cuts Medicare benefits, eliminates guaranteed health coverage for seniors or establishes a Medicare voucher plan that limits payments to beneficiaries in order to purchase health care in the private sector.  

“We all agree that we should cut waste and abuse in government programs, but Social Security – which has $2.6 trillion in reserves – has not, and is not, contributing to the federal deficit,” said Critz.  “Social Security provides retirement and disability assistance to over 53 million Americans, and without it, almost half of Americans aged 65 and older would have incomes below the poverty line.”

“I strongly disagree with those in Washington who think we can target Social Security for cuts, who think we can throw our retirement security into the ups-and-downs of the stock market, and who think we can raise the retirement age.  Rather than standing with our seniors, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle defeated my Amendment and decided to leave them stranded.”

Watch Congressman Critz’s floor speech in support of this Amendment on YouTube.