Former President Joe Biden joined Social Security over the comments of supporters, counselors and representatives of the April 15th ACRD Conference. It was his first major speech.
President Donald Trump went on to protect Social Security, but Biden tried to take up the mantle of the Social Security defender on the Chicago stage.
He said the new administration has learned the mantra.
The speech follows the passage of the House and Senate Republican budget adjustment blueprint, key steps to advance the 2025 budget, and flashpoints for the Trump administration and Republicans to combat accusations of massive cuts in social services.
The House version of the bill directs the Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over Medicaid and other programs, to cut $880 billion. That spurs concerns that Medicaid could lose funds.
“What are the two big money out there? Raw numbers, Social Security, Medicaid,” Biden said.
Biden was featured by former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley, who led the SSA during part of the Biden administration.
The former president also praised his administration’s record on social security, citing a significant decline in waiting times for SSA phones and passing the Social Security Equity Act in early January. The law eliminated provisions that would reduce social security benefits for civil servants who do not require them to pay social security taxes.
“Social security is more than a government program. It’s a sacred promise,” the former president said.
He also spoke about the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. He had a common interest in Delaware senators as well as many other senators from both parties. President George HW Bush has signed the bill.
Many Americans with disabilities receive payments through Social Security Disability Insurance, which is different from the ADA.
Biden called the ADA “one of the most important civil rights laws in American history.”
He said both ADA and social security are keys to American dignity.
