What’s Happening with HR 1218 - Social Security and Medicare Lock-Box Act

Is the government borrowing from the Social Security fund? Many civilians and special interest advocates believe Social Security was moved from the independent trust fund created in 1939 and put into the general fund to allow Congress to spend the funds at their discretion. If this is true, with more than $2.7 trillion deficit, the funds may be depleted soon.

According to the Social Security Administration, “There has never been any change in the way the Social Security program is financed or the way that the federal government uses Social Security payroll taxes.” The SSA touts the Trust Fund has always worked the same way since its inception. If this is true, why did Congressman Tim Walberg introduce the HR 1218 bill in the house? This bill addresses the $2.7 trillion dollars borrowed from the fund according to Dan Perrin, the executive director of the Seniors Center who is also an advocate for HR 1218.

The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means in 2017. The bill appears to be stagnant. Perhaps it is time to ask the right questions and get involved by reaching out to the newly elected representatives to take action.

Congressman Jodey Arrington (R-TX 19) was selected by the House Republican Steering Committee to fill one of three open seats on the Committee on Ways and Means. The House Ways and Means Committee is the oldest Congressional committee—established in 1789—with the broadest jurisdiction of policies and the most extensive legislative jurisdiction including tax, trade, health care and Social Security. Will this HR 1218 bill that establishes a Social Security and Medicare Surplus Protection Account among other protections finally get legs?

The Social Security Administration collects payroll taxes to deposit into the Social Security Trust Fund. Many believe the government uses the money in the trust to fund other programs causing a huge deficit. However, the Social Security Administration said, “The question about the trust account is a result of confusion between the financing of the Social Security Program and the ways the Social Security Trust Fund is treated in federal budget accounting.” Don’t you want to know the truth about how your money is spent?

Many citizens believe the Social Security Trust Fund deficit may be caused by the government making payments to illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants are not eligible to receive funds because they are illegal. However, under certain conditions, immigrants can qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which should not be confused with Social Security benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, “Neither immigrants nor anyone else can collect Social Security benefits without someone paying Social Security payroll taxes into the system.” Again, no one is eligible if they don’t put money into the fund. This concern has nothing to do with the HR 1218 Social Security and Medicare Trust Act.

Congressman Arrington’s immediate focus will be “to grow agriculture’s stake in the global marketplace.” Although this is an important issue, should this trump Social Security protection?

Contact your congressional leaders to voice your questions and concerns. Here is an easy way to get in touch: https:// www.usa.gov/elected-officials