Article Summary –
Jon Husted, in his first year in the U.S. Senate, proposed a constitutional amendment in November 2025 to balance the federal budget within ten years, a plan that critics argue would lead to significant cuts to Social Security and Medicare. The amendment, supported by Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran, aims to enforce fiscal responsibility but faces criticism from organizations like the AARP and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which highlight its potential to severely impact funding for essential social programs, potentially resulting in a $308 billion cut to Social Security over five years. As Husted runs for his first full Senate term, his opponent, former Sen. Sherrod Brown, contrasts his approach by having sponsored the Social Security Fairness Act, which sought to increase benefits for public servants.
Jon Husted marked his first year in the U.S. Senate by proposing a constitutional amendment aimed at balancing the federal budget, which could trigger massive cuts to Social Security and Medicare.
Husted, along with Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran, introduced the amendment in November 2025. It demands Congress balance federal spending and revenue within a decade of ratification.
“This amendment aims to restore fiscal responsibility, calm inflation, and compel Congress to control spending,” Husted stated in a press release.
Husted asserted in a radio interview that his plan surpasses “taxing the rich” as the sole method to reduce national debt.
A 2018 analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicates this plan jeopardizes funding for Social Security, Medicare, and other safety net programs.
Social Security and Medicare are funded through payroll taxes, held by the U.S. Treasury and paid out to beneficiaries. Surpluses are invested in Treasury bonds, used when tax revenues drop.
The amendment would prohibit the federal government from spending more than its revenue. If revenues are insufficient for Social Security and Medicare, the government couldn’t use bonds to cover the gap, leading to inevitable service cuts.
The AARP warned in a 2019 letter that such an amendment would be “devastating for millions.”
“It would likely harm Social Security and Medicare, subjecting both to deep cuts without considering individuals’ health and financial security,” the letter argued.
The group highlighted the negative impact on the 11 million disabled Americans depending on Social Security.
The Center for American Progress in 2018 projected the amendment could lead to a $308 billion cut to Social Security within five years. Medicare and Medicaid would face cuts of $239 billion and $114 billion, respectively.
Husted is campaigning for his first full Senate term, against Democratic challenger and former Sen. Sherrod Brown.
In 2024, Brown advocated the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, enhancing benefits for public servants like teachers and police officers.
The post Husted’s budget plan would force deep cuts to Social Security and Medicare appeared first on American Journal News.
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