AARP Opposes Expedited Social Security Reform Process

AARP is actively opposing a legislative proposal that aims to fast-track the development and consideration of bills designed to secure Social Security's long-term financial stability. The organization is urging Congress to reject the Protecting Retirement Opportunities and Maintaining Income Security for Everyone (PROMISE) Act, which was introduced on July 14 by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), along with six other senators. This bill would mandate the Social Security Advisory Board to draft legislation intended to ensure the solvency of Social Security trust funds for a minimum of 50 years.

While AARP acknowledges the critical need for Congress to address Social Security's financial challenges, the organization strongly advocates for these reforms to be handled through the established legislative process. Nancy LeaMond, AARP's chief advocacy and engagement officer, communicated this stance in a letter dated July 21 to Senators Durbin and Cassidy. LeaMond emphasized that the method of action is as important as the action itself, stating that strengthening Social Security should occur through "regular order, in full public view, with openness and transparency." She expressed concern that the PROMISE Act's process could limit amendments and impose arbitrary deadlines, thereby curtailing debate.

Further elaborating on AARP's position, Bill Sweeney, the organization's senior vice president for government affairs, stated that Congress should be responsible for drafting the legislation itself rather than delegating this task to an advisory board. Sweeney conveyed that AARP members and the public expect elected officials to tackle significant issues like Social Security's financial health directly. He criticized the idea of "outsourcing" this responsibility to an unelected group, suggesting that the time spent devising special procedural rules could be better utilized in finding solutions for Social Security's fiscal challenges.

The PROMISE Act outlines a specific timeline, requiring the Social Security Advisory Board to submit its legislative proposal to Congress by September 17, or the subsequent session day if that date falls on a weekend or holiday. Following this submission, Congress would then have the opportunity to hold hearings on the proposal.