AARP opposes expedited Social Security process proposed in PROMISE Act

AARP is urging Congress to reject a proposal that would create a fast-track process for developing and considering legislation aimed at strengthening Social Security’s long-term finances. The Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone — PROMISE — Act, introduced July 14 by Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Bill Cassidy, R-La., and six other senators, would direct the Social Security Advisory Board to draft legislation designed to keep trust funds solvent for at least 50 years. While AARP agrees Congress must address Social Security’s finances, the organization argues lawmakers should do so through the traditional legislative process. “We agree with you that Congress needs to act to address Social Security’s financial challenges and to strengthen Social Security for generations to come,” Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer, wrote in a July 21 letter to Durbin and Cassidy. “But how Congress acts matters. “Strengthening Social Security should happen through regular order, in full public view, with openness and transparency — rather than through a process that limits the type of amendments and sets arbitrary procedural deadlines to...