Legislative Action Alert

This Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives will hold its first hearing on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The hearing marks the starting point of discussions on the SSDI fund's pending depletion and the need for Congress to act by the end of 2016 to prevent 20% across-the-board SSDI benefit cuts.

Social Security is a near-universal system based on the principle that we are stronger together. It insures over 9 in 10 American workers and their families in the event that a worker retires, dies, or experiences a qualifying disability. And it is a lifeline for over 11 million SSDI beneficiaries across the United States.

For about two decades, Congress has known that it will need to replenish Social Security's Disability Insurance or DI fund in 2016 to account for long-term trends, such as an aging workforce now in its disability-prone years. Without Congressional action, in 2016 the DI fund's reserves will be depleted, leaving only incoming payroll contributions to pay for benefits. The sensible and traditionally bipartisan solution is reallocation: a temporary, modest adjustment of the share of Social Security payroll taxes going into each of the system's two funds. This rebalancing will prevent 20% across-the-board SSDI benefit cuts at the end of 2016 while keeping our entire Social Security system on a stable financial path through 2033.

President Obama called for this common-sense step in his FY 2016 Budget Request. We need Congress to come together in the next 2 years to enact this necessary adjustment - without cutting Social Security coverage, eligibility or benefits.

It is vitally important that as they prepare for Wednesday's hearing, members of the House Ways & Means Social Security Subcommittee hear from NADR members.

If one of your Representatives sits on the Subcommittee, call them and let them know:

·         As you prepare for the Ways & Means Social Security Subcommittee hearing on Social Security Disability Insurance, please know that it is a vital part of our Social Security system. People with disabilities rely on this program for basic needs - any cuts will have a devastating effect on our/their lives. Please reject any cuts to Social Security or SSDI benefits or eligibility.

Subcommittee on Social Security

Chairman Sam Johnson (R-TX-3), (202) 225-4201

Ranking Member Xavier Becerra (D-CA-34), (202) 225-6235

Members:

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR-3), (202) 225-4811

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), (202) 225-5015

Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-35), (202) 225-4865

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA-03), (202) 225-5406

Rep. John B. Larson (D-CT-01), (202) 225-2265

Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY-23), (202) 225-3161

Rep. James B. Renacci (R-OH-16), (202) 225-3876

Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL-18), (202) 225-6201

Rep. Todd Young (R-IN-09), (202) 225-5315