Why Social Security is Called the ‘Third Rail of American Politics’

Social Security has been nicknamed the “Third Rail of American Politics.” According to The Motley Fool, that’s because it has the effect of a power-carrying third rail of an electrified train on politicians: “touch it, and your political career dies.”

That reputation as a third rail is why it’s so hard to resolve Social Security’s long-term solvency problems. The article says the “simple act of proposing fixes — even potentially well-intentioned ones — makes people a target for the opposing party.”

The Seniors Trust stands behind lawmakers, like Sen. Bernie Sanders who introduced the Social Security Expansion Act. He and his co-sponsors are working in the best interest of the people, not themselves.

We think it’s time Congress stops worrying about the third rail. They must take action to fix Social Security for the betterment of their constituents!

The Social Security Expansion Act will give retirees immediate benefits increase of about $200 a month, provide a fair annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), increase minimum benefits and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program.