As predicted, and as many GOP candidates stated in campaign speeches during the midterm elections and now as elected officials have promised— are eyeing cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits—using the ceiling debt to justify their proposed actions.

Almost as soon as House Republicans were sworn into office, they have weighed in on ways to target Social Security and Medicare.

The proposals won’t be met without a fight since slashing Social Security benefits is one of the most unpopular notions in Congress—historically.

Under the new Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, (R-Calif.) GOP lawmakers are rallying around their firm pledges to improve the “fiscal health” of the country and using Social Security and Medicare benefits as the channel for that “health.”

Cuts to Social Security and Medicare are not popular among Valley residents that spoke with Northeast Valley News.

“I won’t vote for another Republican, ever, if they try to cut or eliminate Social Security,” said James Williamson, a resident of Fountain Hills.

Williamson is among the majority of people who told Northeast Valley News that they would not support any kind of plan to cut Social Security or Medicare benefits.

Special panels have reportedly been formed within the past few days that will recommend changes to Social Security and Medicare and could possibly result in benefit cuts within the coming few years.

There is speculation that some of these proposals will include increasing the benefit age to 70 and focusing on young Americans who have paid into Social Security but who have not yet obtained federal benefits.

Any such plan to diminish or slash Social Security will be faced with strong opposition from the Democratic-led Senate as well as President Biden.

Democrats in the House and the Senate are unwavering in their criticisms of the GOP led plan to cut Social Security reportedly stating,  “Millions of Americans could see their benefits cut at the hands of the new House GOP majority.” President Biden has stressed he will not negotiate such a deal with Republicans, as he prepares to discuss a raft of fiscal issues with McCarthy in the coming days.