Contact: Wayne Ranick (412) 562-2444, wranick@usw.org

(Pittsburgh) --This statement was released today by United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard:

“Quite simply, there is no place for discussion of cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid during ongoing debt ceiling negotiations. The beneficiaries of these programs -- working Americans, seniors and the poor -- did not create the fiscal dilemma confronting our nation today, and they should not be forced to pay for its resolution.

"What we need is a real solution to the deficit problem and that is rebuilding our economy and creating good jobs. And let’s not forget the real reasons for our fiscal problems: unaffordable tax cuts granted the previous administration; the bailout of Wall Street; and, two lengthy and costly wars. It is unconscionable to address our debt crisis by holding hostage those least able to afford it, while high-income earners continue to receive unnecessary breaks."

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