Johnson embraces deficit fight, setting up battle over Medicare, Social Security
by Nathaniel Weixel - 11/06/23 6:00 AM ET
Democrats and progressive advocacy groups are homing in on Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) past support for steep cuts to entitlements, as the new speaker embraces a deficit commission that could spotlight the issue in the runup to the 2024 election.
President Biden called out congressional Republicans during his State of the Union address for wanting to cut the program. While budget experts say Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security are unsustainable in their current form, most Republicans acknowledge the political risks of wanting to shrink benefits — but are also opposed to tax increases to bolster the programs.
Johnson’s fervent support for trillions of dollars in cuts during his time as chairman of the Republican Study Commission (RSC) could be a blueprint for GOP budgets if they win control of the government.
“The greatest threat to our national security is our nation’s debt,” Johnson said during his first speech in the House chamber after he was elected Speaker. “We know this is not going to be an easy task and tough decisions will have to be made, but the consequences if we don’t act now are unbearable.”
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https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4292973-johnson-embraces-deficit-fight-setting-up-battle-over-medicare-social-security/
