Is Social Security Being Cut in Republican Budget? What to Know

The new budget resolution proposed by House Republicans calls for $2 trillion in "mandatory spending" cuts, and some are concerned this spells trouble for Social Security.

Why It Matters

Many government programs are facing significant funding cuts as the Republican Party looks to make room for a way to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which would add another $4.5 trillion in spending.

It sparked fears that Social Security could be on the chopping block, but U.S. Code prevents Congress from considering budget reconciliations that make changes to social security.President Donald Trump also said Social Security would not be up for cuts during his campaign.

What To Know

House Republicans are asking for a $2 trillion reduction in "mandatory spending," which includes programs like Social Security, SNAP and Medicaid.

Mandatory spending uses up roughly $4 trillion in federal dollars each year, with Social Security making up $1.5 trillion of that, roughly 21 percent of the entire budget.

Due to the high portion of the overall budget going to Social Security, many are worried that the new Republican budget translates to a cut in Social Security program, which oversees monthly benefits for more than 70 million Americans.

However, U.S. law prohibits Congress from passing a reconciliation bill that contains recommendations to change programs under the Social Security Act.
The House Ways and Means committee, which oversees Social Security, also has an increase of $4.5 trillion under the budget to pursue tax cuts, however.

The biggest proposed cuts include a $230 billion reduction for the Committee on Agriculture over the next decade, a $330 billion reduction for the Committee on Education and Workforce and an $880 billion reduction for Energy and Commerce.

What People Are Saying

Representative Norma Torres, on X, formerly Twitter: "The Republican budget isn't about 'fiscal responsibility'—it's about rigging the system for the wealthy. They're planning to cut Medicare, Social Security, and public schools—all while handing billions to their donors. This isn't about making smart policy decisions; this is about lining their pockets at the expense of Americans. Follow the money—it's the only thing that's been prioritized."

Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "As of right now, the proposed cuts to Social Security over the next decade remain a situation of 'he said, she said.' Republicans supportive of DOGE's initiatives to reduce government spending claim these cuts to the Social Security Administration are more based on wasteful spending in the program that haven't been addressed by prior administrations. Democrats and others who oppose the cuts are saying these cuts will ultimately affect recipients and payments they receive each month. Until we have a more specific listing of just what the proposed cuts will be for the administration, there's no way of saying for sure what it will mean to recipients' bottom lines."

Kevin Thompson, a finance expert and the founder and CEO of 9i Capital Group, told Newsweek: "Since Social Security is a significant part of mandatory spending, and the budget aims to cut $2 trillion from these programs, it's reasonable to assume that all options could be on the table."

What Happens Next

Despite the widespread cuts that are going to be needed to meet the House Republicans' budget, the cuts won't impact Social Security. Along with it being against a law, Thompson said it's not politically advantageous to do it.

"These are voting constituents, and no administration wants to risk alienating them by touching entitlement programs," Thompson said. "If the current administration were to go back on its promise, it could severely damage its political standing, potentially leading to long-term consequences for the party. I don't believe they are willing to take that risk."

The House GOP's budget resolution needs a majority vote to make it out of the Budget Committee before moving to the full House, where Republicans have a small majority of 218 to 215.

Correction 2/14/25 1:37 P.M. ET: This article has been updated to include that it's against the law for congress to consider a budge reconciliation bill that changes social security.