WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ways and Means Committee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI) issued the following statement upon release of the annual reports from the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds:
“These reports show the tangible, positive results of the improvements made to Medicare by health reform. Because of reform, Medicare’s solvency was extended by 12 years, making it a stronger program, and its strength will continue to improve as more components of reform are implemented.
“Social Security plainly faces challenges in the future, but it remains a bedrock of economic security for tens of millions of Americans and we will ensure it remains that way for generations to come. We were reminded of the importance of Social Security throughout this recession as millions of families fell back on its guaranteed benefits to maintain their quality of life during the downturn. It was for precisely this reason Social Security was established and it has proven its value time and again."
