Hispanic Caucus Decries GOP Leader's Comments On Social Security
WASHINGTON –Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus issued the following statement in response to House Republican Leader Eric Cantor’s comments to National Public Radio . Cantor, while discussing Social Security, said: “We’re going to have to come to grips with the fact that these programs cannot exist if we want America to be what we want it to be.”
“What Representative Cantor has to come to grips with is that America is what it is because of, not in spite of, programs such as Social Security. Social Security provides much needed financial support to retirees, survivors of deceased workers, and workers who become disabled, as well as members of their families. For Hispanics, in particular, Social Security benefits are critical. In fact if it weren’t for these benefits 50% of Latino Seniors would live in poverty.
The Republican Party must stop insisting that we balance the budget on the backs of the poor and working class. Instead they should join us in finding responsible solutions to reduce the deficit, create jobs and strengthen, not weaken, the middle class.”