Key facts
- AARP opposes the PROMISE Act, which aims to expedite legislation for Social Security's financial stability.
- The PROMISE Act would task the Social Security Advisory Board with drafting reform proposals.
- AARP advocates for Social Security reforms to be handled through the traditional legislative process.
- The organization argues that outsourcing the task to an advisory board bypasses public view and transparency.
- The bill sets procedural deadlines and caps debate time, which AARP believes short-circuits discussion.
- Social Security's trust fund reserves are projected to be depleted by 2034 without congressional action.
AARP is urging Congress to reject the PROMISE Act, a legislative proposal designed to expedite the process of addressing Social Security's long-term financial challenges. Introduced by Senators Dick Durbin and Bill Cassidy, the bill would direct the Social Security Advisory Board to draft legislation aimed at ensuring the program's solvency for at least 50 years.
AARP, while agreeing that action is needed, argues that such significant reforms should be handled through the traditional legislative process, emphasizing the importance of public transparency and open debate. Nancy LeaMond, AARP's chief advocacy and engagement officer, stated in a letter to the senators that "how Congress acts matters" and that the process should not limit amendments or set arbitrary deadlines.
Bill Sweeney, AARP's senior vice president for government affairs, further elaborated that Congress itself should undertake the legislative drafting, rather than outsourcing the responsibility to an advisory board. He stressed that elected officials are expected to tackle these issues directly.
The PROMISE Act outlines a specific timeline, requiring the advisory board to submit a proposal by September 17. Congress would have until November 9 to act, after which the legislation could move to the floor without committee approval. The total consideration time, including debate and amendments, would be capped at 100 hours. Supporters, like Senator Durbin, believe this process will foster a bipartisan and transparent approach to solving Social Security's solvency crisis.
This proposal comes as Social Security faces a projected funding shortfall, with its trust fund reserves anticipated to be depleted by 2034, according to the 2026 Social Security Trustees Report. Without legislative intervention, the program would only be able to pay approximately 83% of scheduled benefits from ongoing revenue.