New GOP Plan Would Save Military From Sequestration by Cutting Social Security

[eridani]

http://littlegreenfootballs.com/article/42830_New_GOP_Plan_Would_Save_Military_From_Sequestration_by_Cutting_Social_Security


A pair of House Republicans have a new bill that would spare the military from sequestration by cutting the Social Security benefits of many Americans who already experience painful federal budget cuts.

Reps. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.) and Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) are introducing the Provide for the Common Defense Act on Tuesday. The legislation would cancel out the next two years of sequestration cuts for the Pentagon by putting a heavier burden on senior citizens and federal workers.

Specifically, the plan would change the way cost-of-living adjustments are calculated for Social Security, using a measurement called “chained CPI.” The result would be less money in the pockets of beneficiaries. It would also increase federal employee retirement contributions and means-test Medicare premiums. Critics of means-testing argue that such a change would undermine the popularity of the program, turning it into welfare for lower-income Americans.

[Scuba]

1. If we can't afford to educate our children, to heal our sick or care for our elderly ...

... just what is it the defense budget is defending?