How to avoid a Social Security cut? Lawmakers are floating ideas for what to do

WASHINGTON (AP) – With the few months they have left as senators, Democrat Dick Durbin and Republican Bill Cassidy have embarked on a mission to save tens of millions of Social Security beneficiaries from a projected 22% cut in their benefits, starting.

What happened

It is one of the most perilous political efforts that a member of Congress can undertake, so it is telling that the push is being led by two lawmakers who have little to lose at this stage of their careers.

"We've been at this six years, eight years. It's incredible how long I've been at it, " Cassidy remarked. "But Durbin came up to me and he goes, 'Bill, I'm leaving the Senate shortly. We need to take a ride at it.'".

Their idea to extend Social Security's solvency is one of a few that have been formally offered this Congress. None has gained much traction, but it is a start as more lawmakers weigh in on a difficulty that will probable confront the group of senators elected this fall as well as the next president. Pressure for action is sure to grow as 2032 draws closer.

The bottom line

In short, how to avoid a Social Security cut? Lawmakers are floating ideas for is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.