President Biden has been rebuked by a number of Republican lawmakers for claiming he wants to cut Social Security and Medicare.
During his second State of the Union address on Tuesday night, Biden faced stiff resistance from the GOP, which he accused of wanting to hold the economy “hostage.”
“Some of my Republican friends want to hold the economy hostage, which I get, unless I agree with their economic plans.” Biden said. “You should all know what those plans are.”
“Instead of paying the wealthy their fair share, some Republicans, some Republicans want the sunset of Medicare and Social Security,” Biden said, before explaining, “I’m not saying that’s the majority.”
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This caused the legislators to chant loudly, waving their hands and shaking their heads.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga., was seen shouting “Liar!” in the president.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, R-Ga., gives the thumbs up during President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress in the House chamber of the U.S. Capitol on February 07, 2023 in Washington, DC. The speech marks Biden’s first address to the newly Republican-controlled House. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
“Well I’m happy — I’ll tell you, I enjoy the change,” Biden joked. “That means if Congress doesn’t keep the programs the way they are, they’re going to go away. Other Republicans say — I’m not saying it’s a majority of you … but it’s down to an individual. is being suggested.”
“I’m not naming them out of politeness, but it’s being suggested by somebody,” Biden added.
Biden was likely referring to an agenda proposal introduced last year by Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., which suggested that “all federal legislation would expire in 5 years. able, then Congress can pass it again.”
Scott’s proposal, which was also widely rejected by Republicans, was made in an unsuccessful attempt to challenge Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Even the liberal Washington Post called Democrats’ claims that Republicans wanted to gut Social Security and Medicare “false.”
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