Honor America’s heroes by protecting values they fought to preserve

On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who defended America and fought for the ideals we hold dear: liberty, equality, and justice for all.

But today, as we celebrate these values, we must also confront the economic challenges that threaten the financial security and dignity of millions of Americans, including our veterans and seniors.

Progressive Democrat Lisa McCormick’s bold proposal to secure Social Security exemplifies the kind of leadership we need to protect the fundamental promises we have made to those who served.

Our veterans sacrificed for a nation they believed in—a nation where everyone has a fair chance to thrive. But the growing economic inequality in America undermines that vision.

Veterans, like all Americans, deserve to come home to an economy that rewards hard work, safeguards financial security, and values their contributions. McCormick’s plan to “scrap the cap” on Social Security contributions—requiring that high-income earners pay into the system on their full earnings—speaks directly to this crisis, ensuring that Social Security remains solvent and fair for future generations.

The Congressional Budget Office warns that Social Security could face insolvency by 2034, leading to a devastating 23 percent reduction in benefits. This is not just an economic issue; it is a question of moral commitment to the men and women who dedicated their lives to serving our country.

During the recent campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have voiced their intent to protect Social Security, yet neither offered a concrete solution to keep this lifeline intact. McCormick’s approach provides a feasible and equitable solution to safeguard Social Security without benefit cuts or increased hardship for American families.

McCormick’s plan offers clear solutions to real problems:

Protecting Benefits: By eliminating the earnings cap on contributions, McCormick’s proposal secures benefits for all Americans, ensuring that no senior or veteran faces a drastic reduction in income.

Equitable Contributions: At a time when the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans hold more wealth than the bottom 90 percent combined, McCormick’s plan calls on high earners to contribute fairly to Social Security, closing a gap that has contributed to economic disparity and a sense of disillusionment with our institutions.

Long-term Solvency: Experts agree that “scrapping the cap” would boost Social Security’s revenue by approximately 35 percent, extending the program’s solvency for generations to come. This move not only stabilizes Social Security but also strengthens the broader economic security of the country.

Inspired by Huey Long’s 1934 “Share Our Wealth” plan, McCormick’s call to “scrap the cap” on Social Security contributions is part of a broader economic platform that envisions an America where hard-working families, veterans, and vulnerable citizens do not face crushing economic challenges.

Her proposals include raising the minimum wage, establishing universal healthcare, ensuring affordable education, and strengthening labor rights.

These ideas embody the fairness and equity that every veteran deserves to see in the country they served.

We owe it to our veterans to uphold the values they fought to protect. McCormick’s proposal is a testament to the promise that every American, especially those who served, deserves dignity, financial security, and equal opportunity.

On this Veterans Day, let us urge Congress to protect Social Security and other essential programs so that we can honor the sacrifices of our veterans—not just in words, but in action.

They fought for an America of fairness and freedom. Now, it is our turn to fight for the economic security and justice that uphold the true spirit of our democracy.

This Veterans Day, let us renew our commitment to those who served and to the ideals that define America.

Supporting those who sacrificed for us means that we should “scrap the cap,” to secure Social Security, and build an economy that truly honors all of those who defended our freedoms while preserving the quality of life for future generations, who also deserve liberty, opportunity, and justice for all.

To honor the bravery of those who have defended America, we can ensure a nation worthy of their sacrifices—one that safeguards the well-being, justice, and dignity they risked everything to protect.