July 15, 2011

Manchin to Geithner: We Must Put Social Security First

***Pathfire, Audio Available***

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner stressing the critical importance of keeping our promise to America’s seniors and making Social Security a top priority if Washington should fail to come to an agreement on the debt ceiling by August 2. 

“If the worst happens, and Washington fails to do what is right and come to an agreement on the debt ceiling, families should not pay the price. I strongly urge you to make sure that this country keeps its trust with Social Security recipients and continues to send Social Security checks,” Senator Manchin said. “I came to Washington to fix things and do what is right for the next generation, not the next election. I truly believe we must work together to resolve this debt crisis, not engage in scare tactics to score political points. It is not only wrong, it is unacceptable that politicians would use threats to scare our seniors.”

Senator Manchin believes that Social Security is a vital program, particularly because nearly half a million West Virginians receive Social Security payments, and for many of those citizens, their Social Security checks are their only source of income.  

The full text of Senator Manchin’s letter is included below: 

Dear Secretary Geithner, 

As you know, I believe this great nation must set our priorities based on our values. In my eyes, the highest priority should be the seniors who belong to the greatest generation. We must make it clear that for those seniors, Social Security is a promise they can count on. 

If the worst happens, and Washington fails to do what is right and come to an agreement on the debt ceiling, families should not pay the price. I strongly urge you to make sure that this country keeps its trust with Social Security recipients and continues to send Social Security checks. 

I came to Washington to fix things and do what is right for the next generation, not the next election. I truly believe we must work together to resolve this debt crisis, not engage in scare tactics to score political points. It is not only wrong, it is unacceptable that politicians would use threats to scare our seniors.

Looking forward, I will continue to work hard every day with Republicans and Democrats to come to a commonsense solution on our debt crisis – one that gets spending under control and is based on tax fairness. 

This is a great nation, one that all of us are lucky to be a part of. I hope and believe that we can live up to the greatness of the American people and reaches a responsible deal that is right for West Virginia, the nation and the next generation.

With warmest regards, 

Senator Joe Manchin III

A statement from Senator Manchin on the need to meet Social Security obligations if the government fails to reach a debt deal is available on Pathfire. Instructions for accessing Pathfire are available here:  http://democrats.senate.gov/tv/pathfire/manchin.pdf

Audio of Senator Manchin’s statement is available here: http://demradio.senate.gov/actualities/manchin/071511_MANCHIN_1_RADIO.mp3

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