NEWBURGH – Last Thursday, Congressman Pat Ryan continued his fight for Hudson Valley seniors, introducing the “Protecting Social Security Act,” landmark legislation that will ensure Social Security benefits cannot be cut and that seniors and families will continue to receive the benefits they have earned. Ryan joined with Hudson Valley seniors, community leaders, and local officials to introduce the bill at the Newburgh Armory ahead of his Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (C.A.R.E.S.) Van Social Security and Medicare tour. Over the next month, Ryan and his office will be bringing one-on-one assistance with Social Security and Medicare directly to seniors in their own communities.
“With the economic pressure we’re all feeling right now, the last thing anyone should be worried about is feeling secure in their retirement. As far-right Republicans continue to push for cuts to Social Security, this bill sends a message once and for all: there will be no cuts, your benefits are protected, and they should be easily accessible, no matter where you live,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Social Security represents a sacred promise made by our country to our seniors – you worked your whole lives for these benefits, and in return, we have your back. I’ve got your back, and I won’t rest until Social Security is protected for good.”
“The government is designed to support the people’s safety, liberty and societal function and sustainability,” said Kyle Conway, Vice President of the NAACP of Newburgh and Highland Falls. “ For our government to not take care of its citizens who utilize a service they invest in is both a moral violation and a detour from its obligations to the American people. Let us work to ensure our elected officials are considerate of every type of citizens’ quest for life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness when they create or enforce policies. Social Security is a valuable service that works when we honor it and its purpose to the citizens of America.”
“Newburgh seniors have worked their entire life for these benefits – I will do whatever I can to make sure Social Security is never cut,” said Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey. “We also have to make sure these benefits are fully accessible, especially after the Newburgh office was closed, pulling the rug out from under seniors who have depended on it for decades. I’m proud to fight alongside Congressman Pat Ryan to ensure that Social Security is protected for Newburgh seniors and to keep direct assistance with the vital program right here in our community.”
“The people of Newburgh deserve an in-person opportunity to access Social Security-related services and information,” said State Senator Rob Rolison. “The flawed relocation of their office to Wallkill combined with its delayed rollout was challenging for our seniors and others on fixed incomes. I am thrilled to be working with Congressman Ryan to develop a long-term solution to this issue, starting with his important and comprehensive Resource Fair. And I am proud to continue to collaborate with Rep. Ryan and our other federal partners to ensure that essential Social Security benefits remain accessible, robust, and equitable for years to come.”
“Social Security is a solemn contract to all Americans: Pay into the system and you will receive benefits when due,” said Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson. “Representative Ryan’s new legislation will ensure that the United States lives up to its promise to all Social Security recipients. I will continue to work with Representative Ryan’s office in dealing with the Social Security problems of constituents. I thank Representative Ryan for the Protecting Social Security Act.”
“I’m currently preparing to retire and my Social Security will play a crucial part in supporting my wife and I through retirement,” said Highland Falls veteran Keith Proctor. “ I have done my share – contributing to Social Security for nearly 50 years with hard work, including serving in the military and deploying to Iraq in 2003, to support myself, my family, my community, and my country. My grandparents lived solely on their monthly Social Security check in their retirement. Unfortunately, those days are way gone, but I could not even imagine what I would do if I were to lose it altogether. That’s why I get so frustrated and disillusioned when I hear the discussions in Congress about cutting or even eliminating this necessary program. I am very comforted knowing that Congressman Ryan is going to bat for my entire family and I. My three daughters recently started their careers and are contributing to their retirements at this moment. I want this benefit to continue for their sake as much as mine. Thank you, Congressman Ryan for representing and protecting our benefits and rights and introducing the Protecting Social Security Act.”
“I am grateful for what Congressman Pat Ryan and his team did for me from my first phone call to the office – everyone was so kind and understanding of my situation with Social Security Benefits,” said Poughkeepsie retiree Rosalie. “I retired after my son passed away at the age of 32 from a pulmonary embolism. My life would never be the same and I just could not return to work. Last year my husband also passed away, leaving me with very little income. I did all the necessary paperwork and meetings to receive the spouse benefits, but it was getting held up for months on end. It was calling Congressman Ryan’s office that took away the stress and made me feel that he had my back and always will.”
“Representative Pat Ryan stands by his commitments to his constituents, tackling government and Social Security bureaucracy and ensuring that senior citizens in his district are not just a number to be ignored,” said Barbara, a constituent in Middletown. “After 14 months of frustration with the Social Security Administration for benefits owed to me, Representative Ryan’s office was able to support me and resolve my challenge with Social Security in less than a week.”
“My elderly brother was admitted to the hospital in need of acute care for 3 weeks and then transferred to a rehab center for a month-long stay to regain his motor skills,” said John, a constituent in Poughkeepsie. “He had no insurance and only a pending application for Social Security and Medicare. We contacted Congressman Ryan’s Office and they were able to have my brother’s application for benefits quickly approved. Without their assistance, particularly Maria, Director of Constituent Services, I’m not sure how our family crisis would have been resolved. Thanks to all of you! What a difference you have made.”
When now-Speaker Mike Johnson led the Republican Study Committee in 2020, it proposed cutting Medicare by $1.9 trillion and Social Security by $756 billion over the course of 10 years and would include provisions to privatize Medicare. Republican Senator Rick Scott has proposed a plan to sunset Social Security and Medicare, threatening the very existence of both programs.
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