The promise by Trump and the Home Republican Social gathering to not reduce Social Safety is full nonsense

Trump persuaded House Republicans not to use reconciliation to cut Social Security. The problem is that reconciliation cannot legally be used to cut Social Security.

The supposed big win for Trump was House Republicans' promise that they would not use reconciliation to cut Social Security in exchange for raising the debt ceiling.

The problem according to Matt Glassman:

A fig leaf for the ages if they sign a letter promising not to cut Social Security through a process that is prohibited by law from cutting Social Security.

By law, Social Security cannot be changed through reconciliation.

According to the Brookings Institution, “The Byrd Rule also states, among other things, that changes to Social Security benefits or Social Security payroll taxes cannot be considered as part of a reconciliation bill.”

Congratulations to Donald Trump

. He got Republicans in the House of Representatives to agree to something they legally couldn't do anyway.

Trump may brag about taking Social Security off the table, but all that really means is cutting health care for the poor, children, the disabled and veterans.

Jason is the managing editor. He is also White House press secretary and congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a bachelor's degree in political science. His thesis focused on public policy with an emphasis on social reform movements.

Awards and professional memberships

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Political Science Association

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