March 11, 2024
New Retiree Voting Record Released
Washington, DC – The Alliance for Retired Americans released its 2023 Congressional Voting Record, which scored each U.S. Senator and Representative on critical retirement security issues, today.
“Almost every member of Congress claims to care about seniors,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “Our annual voting record shows which House and Senate members actually back up their words with actions and vote in older Americans’ best interests.”
Ten Senate and House floor votes are considered in the report. They include votes on bills and amendments to establish a fiscal commission — leading to potentially deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other essential government programs; avoid default on the national debt; and undermine numerous health care protections for older Americans in the Affordable Care Act.
In addition, Congress cast key votes on cutting funding for seniors programs and expanding voting access for millions of Americans.
“What happens in Washington, DC has real everyday consequences for retirees and their families nationally. Votes in Congress can either strengthen Americans’ retirement security or make it more difficult to achieve,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance.
Forty-four members of the U.S. Senate and 210 members of the U.S. House of Representatives earned perfect 100 percent scores. Twenty-three senators earned scores of 0%, including Rick Scott (FL), who has been at the forefront of GOP plans to cut Social Security and Medicare, and Ted Cruz (TX). 174 House members earned a score of 0%.
Among the senators earning a score of 90% or higher were Tammy Baldwin (WI), Sherrod Brown (OH); Bob Casey, Jr. (PA), Jacky Rosen (NV), and Jon Tester (MT).
“The senior vote is always crucial in any election,” Fiesta added. “The Alliance voting record is a valuable tool for older voters as they consider who to support in November’s elections.”
Both the national 2023 Congressional Voting Record and a version for each state delegation is available on the Alliance’s website.
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Contact: David Blank, dblank@retiredamericans.org