Washington, DC – Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI), Health Subcommittee Chairman Wally Herger (R-CA) and Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Sam Johnson (R-TX) made the following statement after the release of the Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports. 

“Today’s reports make it clearer than ever that doing nothing is not an option.  Republicans have been focused on finding solutions to the serious challenges facing our nation.  However, the Administration has failed to lead, and Congressional Democrats have resorted to demagoguery rather than finding long-term solutions to protect Medicare and Social Security for current and future beneficiaries.  The fact of the matter is that the Medicare program is one year closer to bankruptcy than it was last year.  And, Social Security will be unable to pay full benefits in 2033, three years earlier than projected in last year’s report.  Even worse, full disability benefits will not be payable beginning in 2016.  Democrats’ inaction continues to put these programs at risk, and seniors and people with disabilities are closer to losing the full promise of these programs.  Failing to enact long-term solutions means current, as well as future, beneficiaries will face significant cuts.  It is time to put politics aside and work on solutions to preserve the vital programs on which America’s seniors and those with disabilities rely.”