Protect Social Security and Medicare Act
Protect Social Security and Medicare Act
Plain Language Summary
# Protect Social Security and Medicare Act - Summary **What it would do:** This bill would make it significantly harder to pass laws that cut Social Security or Medicare benefits. Currently, most bills only need a simple majority (50% + 1) to pass Congress. Under this bill, any legislation that would reduce benefits would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate before it could even be debated. The rule wouldn't apply to changes affecting Medicare Advantage insurance plans, as long as those savings are redirected to other Medicare programs. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily affects seniors and disabled individuals who rely on Social Security retirement benefits and Medicare health insurance.
It also affects Congress, by raising the legislative threshold needed to modify these programs. Taxpayers who fund these programs through payroll taxes would be indirectly affected by any future policy changes. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It would need committee approval before advancing further in the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Protect Social Security and Medicare ActThis bill requires a two-thirds vote before Congress may consider legislation that would reduce retirement, health, or other benefits administered by the Social Security Administration or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Specifically, such legislation may not be considered in either chamber of Congress until two-thirds of Members present and voting agree to a motion to consider the legislation. However, this restriction does not apply to legislation that reduces payments to Medicare Advantage plans so long as it also increases, in an amount equal to or greater than the reduction, payments made for other purposes under Medicare.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Rules.