Mr. Trump persuaded House Republicans not to use reconciliation to cut Social Security. The problem is that the settlement cannot legally be used to reduce Social Security.
A big win for President Trump was a promise from House Republicans not to use settlements to cut Social Security in exchange for raising the debt ceiling.
According to the problem Matt Glassman:
Eternal fig leaf if you sign a letter promising not to reduce Social Security through a process where reductions in Social Security are legally prohibited.
By law, Social Security cannot be changed through settlement.
According to brookings institute“Among other things, the Byrd rule also states that changes to Social Security benefits or Social Security payroll taxes cannot be considered as part of a reconciliation bill.”
Congratulations Donald Trump. He got House Republicans to agree to something that was legally impossible.
President Trump may brag about taking Social Security off the table, but what that actually means is that the cuts will include health care costs for the poor, children, people with disabilities, and veterans.
