In this screenshot from C-Span U.S. Rep. Mark Critz talks about an amendment to protect Social Security and Medicare from being cut by not allowing funds in the stopgap budget to be used to develop programs to eliminate the programs. (C-Span) |
U.S. Rep. Mark Critz, D - Johnstown, offered an amendment to protect Social Security and Medicare during Tuesday’s House debate on a stopgap measure to extend federal funding of government agencies through April 8.
The continuing resolution will expire March 18. Continuing resolutions keeps the federal government funded until a budget can be passed.
Critz’s motion failed by a vote of 190 to 239. His motion would have prohibited funds in the legislation from being used to implement a system that cuts Medicare benefits or privatizes Social Security.
“The folks I live with and live around come to rely on Social Security,” Critz told House members.
Critz is concerned that as more cuts are made to the federal budget, some may target Medicare or Social Security. He said that Social Security has $2.6 trillion in reserves and has not contributed to the federal deficit.
“Don’t buy into this crisis legislation,” he said.
Critz also used his time encourage lawmakers to work together on a budget solution.
“At the end of the day we all have very strong opinions,” he said. “Unfortunately it is all about compromise.”
He said continuing to pass short-term continuing resolutions to extend funding instead of passing a budget is costing the country money.
“This isn’t leading — this is playing games,” he said.
But after Critz was finished speaking Republican U.S. Rep. Harold Rogers from Kentucky said the measure passes the necessary resources to keep government doors open.“We’re totally committed in this bill to saving Social Security,” he said. “This is a procedural motion that is simply a fog screen.”
He added that Critz’s motion puts the House further from its goal.
Critz did not vote for the stopgap measure that would keep government federally funded until April 8, which passed the House Tuesday.
The continuing resolution will expire March 18. Continuing resolutions keeps the federal government funded until a budget can be passed.
Critz’s motion failed by a vote of 190 to 239. His motion would have prohibited funds in the legislation from being used to implement a system that cuts Medicare benefits or privatizes Social Security.
“The folks I live with and live around come to rely on Social Security,” Critz told House members.
Critz is concerned that as more cuts are made to the federal budget, some may target Medicare or Social Security. He said that Social Security has $2.6 trillion in reserves and has not contributed to the federal deficit.
“Don’t buy into this crisis legislation,” he said.
Critz also used his time encourage lawmakers to work together on a budget solution.
“At the end of the day we all have very strong opinions,” he said. “Unfortunately it is all about compromise.”
He said continuing to pass short-term continuing resolutions to extend funding instead of passing a budget is costing the country money.
“This isn’t leading — this is playing games,” he said.
But after Critz was finished speaking Republican U.S. Rep. Harold Rogers from Kentucky said the measure passes the necessary resources to keep government doors open.“We’re totally committed in this bill to saving Social Security,” he said. “This is a procedural motion that is simply a fog screen.”
He added that Critz’s motion puts the House further from its goal.
Critz did not vote for the stopgap measure that would keep government federally funded until April 8, which passed the House Tuesday.
