News · Press Release

Where does Costello Stand on Gov. Christie’s Plan to Raise Social Security Retirement Age?

Congressman Ryan Costello must be ecstatic to see his friend Gov. Chris Christie announce his candidacy for President of the United States today. The One-Term Wonder Congressman has been enthralled with Christie since Costello became a Member of Congress and we wonder if that excitement extends to Christie’s irresponsible proposals for senior citizens. Voters in Southeastern Pennsylvania are curious to know if Costello is also ecstatic about Gov. Christie’s plan to raise the Social Security retirement age.

“Congressman Costello has said many nice things about Gov. Christie,” said Matt Thornton of DCCC. “Except he hasn’t said where he stands on Gov. Christie’s plan to raise the Social Security retirement age. Southeastern Pennsylvania voters deserve to know if Costello endorses Christie’s plan to rip the rug out from underneath senior citizens who depend on Social Security.”

Background

Costello Said Christie Showed “The Ability To Connect” With People Well Outside The Mid-Atlantic Region. “Costello said Christie showed “the ability to connect” with people well outside the mid-Atlantic region.” [Philadelphia Inquirer, 1/22/15]

Costello Attended Christie Event For Incoming Freshman Where Christie Got “Rock-Star Reception.” “Chris Christie got a rock-star reception on Monday — not from voters, but from soon-to-be GOP lawmakers […] Pennsylvania sixth district congressman-elect Ryan Costello says Christie advised the class not to get too cocky about their election results.” [National Review, 11/18/14]

Chris Christie Called For Social Security Plan That Raised Retirement Age. “Last week, Christie, who is considering a run for president, went to New Hampshire to unveil a reform plan that called for both means testing and raising the retirement age.” [NJ Advance, 4/27/15]

Costello Voted For A Budget That Would Prevent Social Security From Using Existing Resources To Prevent Cuts In Disability Benefits Unless Congress Also Approved Benefit Cuts. “The conference agreement incorporates a change in House Rules that would prevent Social Security from using even a penny of its existing resources to prevent cuts in disability benefits unless Congress also approves some benefit cuts.” [S Con Res 11, Roll Call #183, 4/30/15; House Budget Committee Democratic Staff, 4/30/15]

Costello Voted For House Republican Budget That Would Turn Medicare Into Voucher Program, Denying 405,972 Individuals in PA-06 Access To Medicare’s Guaranteed Benefits. The Republican Budget Committee “estimates nearly $150 billion in savings by turning Medicare into a voucher program for anyone 56 years old or younger, an idea previously proposed by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), the former Budget Committee chairman. Republicans say their ‘premium support program’ would help control Medicare costs.” The House GOP plan would move Medicare to a voucher program by 2024. There are 405,972 residents in the PA-06 district under the age of 45.  [H Con Res 27, Roll Call #142, 3/25/15; Politico, 3/17/15; Census, accessed 3/17/15]





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