Zach Nunn’s Fiscal Commission Could Cost Iowans’ Their Social Security and Medicare

On Wednesday, the House Budget Committee held a hearing on legislation co-sponsored by Congressman Zach Nunn to establish a fiscal commission—which advocates argue is “designed to give Congress political cover for cutting Americans’ earned benefits” like Social Security and Medicare. 

“As I’ve begun my early retirement years, Social Security and Medicare are very important to me and others,” said Mike Kern of Des Moines. “While I’m fortunate enough to have some additional assets to support me, it is not near enough to cover potential reductions in SSI and Medicare. Americans cannot support themselves without these programs.”

Nunn previously pledged to “defend these programs,” but he’s spent much of his time in Congress undercutting Social Security and Medicare. In fact, his very first bill in Congress would have resulted in deep, harmful cuts to Social Security and Medicare.  

Congressman Nunn voted for the Default on America Act—which would make it harder for seniors to access their Medicare and Social Security benefits—and he’s a member of the Republican Study Committee, an extreme group of House Republicans focused on cutting Social Security and Medicare.  

“Zach Nunn has spent his first year in office saying one thing and doing another. Instead of protecting Social Security and Medicare like he said he would, Nunn is cosponsoring legislation that could dismantle these critical programs that Iowans count on,” said Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa and Fairness for Iowa coalition member. “Congressman Nunn should raise taxes on the rich and corporations instead of voting for harmful cuts that make life more expensive for Iowans in his district and threaten the benefits they’ve earned.”