The Hill News

A leading group advocating a bipartisan grand bargain on the deficit said Saturday it is heartened by statements from AARP that it is now formally open to Social Security benefit cuts in the future.

The leading seniors advocacy group acknowledged that as part of a balanced deal ensuring the program's solvency after 2036 it could accept cuts. AARP had been seen as opposed to any cuts, although its lobbyists have signalled wiggle room for months.

AARP emphasized in a statement however that it does not want Social Security negotiated as part of a broader deficit deal and that it views the program as a separate issue.

Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, on Saturday praised AARP.

"By joining the conversation over how to reform Social Security, AARP is not only recognizing the financial realities facing the program and the country, but also showing a willingness to put the national interest ahead of more narrow interests," said MacGuineas.

 "No one should be able to credibly deny the serious shortfalls facing the Social Security program anymore, and I hope other groups from across the political spectrum will follow in joining in this adult conversation," she added.

Other seniors groups have joined a coalition to oppose any benefit cuts and they argue that raising the payroll tax cap will be enough to ensure the program's solvency.

Republicans want to shore up the program solely through benefit cuts, arguing that raising the payroll cap will hurt economic growth. This week Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) introduced a bill that would change the way inflation is measured as a way to limit the growth of benefits. She also said she was heartened by the AARP comments.