Congressman Gabe Amo Hosts Ranking Member John Larson at East Providence Senior Center
Amo welcomed longtime champion for seniors and Social Security to Rhode Island’s First District
East Providence, R.I. – Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) welcomed Committee on Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member John Larson (CT-01) to East Providence Senior Center to discuss support for the Social Security 2100 Act (H.R.4583), a landmark piece of legislation that would protect and expand essential earned Social Security benefits for millions of Americans across the country. Both congressmen highlighted how the legislation will increase benefits by 2% across the board — the first increase in more than 50 years — as well as end the five-month waiting period to receive disability benefits. At the event, the congressman were joined by East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva.
“Social Security is a critical economic lifeline for millions of Americans, including 113,000 recipients in Rhode Island’s First District,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “Even before I was sworn in, the first bill I promised to cosponsor was Congressman Larson’s Social Security 2100 Act, a landmark bill that would guarantee dignity in retirement for our nation’s seniors. IIn the face of relentless Republican attacks that would slash Social Security benefits, we must pass this legislation to bolster benefits and protect the promise of Social Security for generations to come.”
“I would like to thank Rep. Amo for inviting me to East Providence to speak to discuss the urgent need to protect and enhance Social Security as 10,000 baby boomers become eligible every day,” said Congressman John Larson. “Social Security 2100 would enhance benefits for the first time in more than 50 years, repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset that penalizes our public servants and deliver a tax cut for 23 million Americans. I am glad to stand with leaders like Rep. Amo as we continue to oppose Republicans’ attempts to force through disastrous cuts and work to protect Americans’ hard-earned benefits. It’s time for Congress to vote!”
“We are honored to host Congressmen John Larson and Gabe Amo at the East Providence Senior Center to discuss legislation for broadening and expanding Social Security for our senior population,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “I stand behind any legislation that will benefit our seniors’ quality of life and care.”
BACKGROUND
Congressman Amo was raised by a mom who worked double shifts as a nurse in Rhode Island nursing homes. He understands the challenges that seniors on fixed incomes face, which is why he is committed to protecting Social Security — a cornerstone of the social safety net that provides financial security and stability for millions of Americans. After being sworn into Congress in November 2023, Congressman Amo cosponsored the Social Security 2100 Act (H.R.4583).
On May 15, 2024, Congressman Amo took to the House floor to denounce the Republican Study Committee — the largest House Republican caucus representing 80% of members — and their recently-proposed 2025 budget, which would eviscerate Social Security benefits for 257 million people, or 3 in 4 Americans. The Republican plan would cut Social Security by $1.5 trillion, raise the retirement age for working Americans, and slash benefits by 21%. In his floor speech, Congressman Amo contrasted this callous proposal with the efforts of Democrats to safeguard Social Security and ensure that its benefits deliver for Americans today, tomorrow, and forever.
The Social Security 2100 Act would accomplish this by:
- Increasing benefits by 2% for all beneficiaries of Social Security — the first increase since 1972
- Improving the Cost-of-Living Adjustment to better reflect inflation seniors experience
- Repealing the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset which currently penalizes many public servants
- Ending the 5-month waiting period to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
- Boosting benefits by an additional 5% for seniors who have been receiving benefits for 15 years or more.
- Providing caregiver credits to prevent folks from being penalized in retirement for taking time to care for children or other dependents.
- Ensuring millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share by applying FICA to earnings above $400,000.
In Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, there are 113,005 Social Security recipients who receive $201 million in monthly benefits. This total includes:
- 83,829 retirees
- 6,732 children
- 1,875 spouses
- 15,723 disabled workers
