What Congress Is Doing on Entitlement Reform
A growing threat of insolvency has increased the political pressure
Since Congress created Social Security and Medicare in 1935 and 1965, respectively, the benefits programs for older Americans have been some of the most popular federal programs in the country. Despite their high cost, Congress has often sought to expand eligibility and benefits. However, an aging population and decades without raising contributions mean that both programs are taking up a greater share of the federal budget and are approaching insolvency. That’s forced members of both parties to look at ways to shore up the so-called entitlement programs without cratering the federal budget. Democrats have sought ways to raise more funds,…
