Matt Gaetz, a self-described "firebrand" lawmaker, is pushing for discussions about Social Security reforms, including a hike in the full Social Security retirement age as a partial solution to the nation's debt-limit problems.
On Steve Bannon's "War Room" television show and podcast Wednesday, Rep. Gaetz (R-Fla) explained his proposals for adding new work requirements to government-provided financial assistance programs before turning to the topic of Social Security benefits.
His remarks come about a month after Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley proposed raising the full retirement age for young people and limiting benefits for wealthy retirees.
Responding to a question from Bannon, the former chief strategist for President Trump, Gaetz said he believes Americans "have to have a discussion about raising the age of Social Security."
"It's not a likelihood with Joe Biden in the White House and with Democrats in charge of the Senate," the congressman explained. "But I do question that, forever and always, we are going to have the same retirement age."
Gaetz did not specify the exact age he believes should become the new full retirement age during the discussion. He did, though, shed some light on behind-the-scenes talks in the GOP caucus with respect to the ongoing negotiations over the national debt ceiling.
According to Gaetz, there's substantial division within the GOP about whether spending cuts must be part of any deal that would raise the debt ceiling. He suggested that he and other lawmakers —like House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas — are pushing their colleagues to ensure spending cuts are kept on the table throughout the process.
"The easy choices are gone," Gaetz said. "We can't just address waste, fraud and abuse and expect to balance the budget. You need deep cuts, and you need them in the early years."
