FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Tuesday, October 10, 2024
CONTACT: Blakely Wall, press@janellebynum.com

Happy Valley, OR - In a debate against State Representative Janelle Bynum, Democratic candidate for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer lied about her history of jeopardizing Social Security.

Chavez DeRemer’s long history of supporting policies that would be devastating for seniors:

- Voted for extreme legislation that would jeopardize Social Security and Medicare services and threaten food assistance for thousands of older adults in Oregon.

- Opposed the Inflation Reduction Act, which capped seniors’ out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.

- Supported Mike Johnson – who has proposed drastic cuts to Social Security and Medicare by raising the retirement age– for the House Speakership and accepted thousands in contributions from his PAC.

- Voted at least 26 times to block consideration of protections for Social Security and Medicare. Read the full voting record below:

1. January 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Protecting Medicare And Social Security. In January 2024, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Houchin, R-Ind., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a measure that unambiguously states that the people’s House will keep its promise to the American workers and senior citizens. We will protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare for future generations, two important programs that my Republican friends are constantly attacking.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 213-200. [H.Res. 947, Vote #2, 1/10/24; CQ, 1/10/24; Congressional Record, 1/10/24]

2. November 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Stating That The House Would Not Cut Money From Social Security Or Medicare. In November 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Fishbach, R-Minn, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Madam Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer a resolution to state unequivocally that the House won’t cut a single cent from these crucial programs that so many of our constituents rely on.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was rejected by a vote of 213-200. [H.Res. 838, Vote #565, 11/2/23; CQ, 11/2/23; Congressional Record, 11/2/23]

3. November 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration For Protecting Social Security And Medicare. In November 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Massie, R-Ky., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “we are going to urge our side to defeat the previous question. If we do, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a measure that unequivocally states that the people’s House will keep its promise to American workers and seniors and that we will protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare and fight against any Republican cuts to these essential programs that so many of our constituents rely on.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 218-206. [H. Res. 864, Vote #646, 11/14/23; CQ, 11/15/23; Congressional Record, 11/15/23]

4. December 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Protecting Social Security And Medicare From Cuts. In December 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Houchin, R-Ind., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide consideration of a resolution which clearly states that this House will keep our promise to American seniors and workers to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare against any cuts to these crucial programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 209-200. [H.Res. 906, Vote #692, 12/5/23; CQ, 12/5/23; Congressional Record, 12/5/23]

5. November 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Protecting Social Security And Medicare. In November 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Houchin, R-Ind., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Leger Fernandez said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which clearly states that it is the people’s House’s duty to keep our promise to American workers and seniors to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare and to fight against any cuts to these vital programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 217-204. [H.Res. 847, Vote #601, 11/7/23; CQ, 11/7/23; Congressional Record, 11/7/23]

6. September 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For To Block Consideration For Protecting Social Security And Medicare. In September 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Reschenthaler, R-Pa. motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Scanlon said, “Madam Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which clearly states that it is the people’s House’s duty to keep our promise to American workers and seniors to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare and fight against any cuts to these vital programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 218-207. [H.Res. 756, Vote #516, 10/3/23; CQ, 10/3/23; Congressional Record, 10/3/23]

7. September 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of A Resolution To Protect Social Security And Medicare. In September 2023 Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Cole, R-Okla., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Fernandez said, “I am going to offer my friends, my dear friends, a chance to show the American people that they are serious about preserving Social Security and Medicare. I urge you all to join us in defeating the previous question. If we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which plainly states that the people’s House won’t cut a single cent from these crucial programs that so many of my constituents, so many of your constituents, rely on.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the resolution. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 217-209. [H. Res. 680, Vote #397, 9/19/23; CQ, 9/19/23; Congressional Record, 9/19/23]

8. September 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Protecting And Preserving Social Security And Medicare. In September 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Burgess, R-Texas, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Leger Fernandez said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which clearly states that it is the people’s House’s duty to keep our promise to American workers and seniors to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare and fight against any cuts to these vital programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 214-198. [H.Res. 681, Vote #388, 9/14/23; CQ, 9/14/23; Congressional Record, 9/14/23]

9. July 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Protecting Social Security And Medicare. In July 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Reschenthaler, R-Pa., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Neguse said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment that we have offered before to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which unambiguously states that it is the House’s duty to keep our solemn promise to American workers and seniors to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare and reject any cuts to these critical programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 208-191. [H.Res. 614, Vote #367, 7/26/23; CQ, 7/26/23; Congressional Record, 7/26/23]

10. July 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of A Resolution To Protect Social Security and Medicare. In July 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Houchin, R-Ind motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Scanlon, D-___ said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which unequivocally states that it is the House’s duty to keep our sacred promise to American workers and seniors to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare and reject any cuts to those essential programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 213-207. [H.Res. 597, Vote #331, 7/18/23; CQ, 7/18/23; Congressional Record, 7/18/23]

11. June 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of A Resolution Stating It Is The House’s Responsibility To Provide Social Security And Medicaid And To Reject Cuts To The Programs. In June 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Roy, R,Texas., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep McGovern said, “Mr. Speaker, I urge that we defeat the previous question, and I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution assuring our constituents that the people’s House will protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare for our future generations and reject any cuts to these essential programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the resolution. The motion was agreed to 214-206. [H.Res. 463, Vote #284, 6/22/23; CQ, 6/22/23; Congressional Record, 6/22/23]

12. June 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of A Joint Resolution Stating It Is The House’s Responsibility To Provide Social Security And Medicaid And To Reject Cuts To The Programs. In June 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted foronal Record, Rep McGovern said “‘Mr. Speaker, I am going to urge that we defeat the previous question, and if we do, then I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which states that it is the House’s duty to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare for our future generations and reject any cuts to these essential programs.”’ A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to 216-209. [H.Res. 495, Vote #249, 6/13/23; CQ, 6/13/23; Congressional Record, 6/13/23]

13. June 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of A Resolution Stating It’s The House’s Responsibility To Protect And Preserve Social Security And Medicaid And To Reject Cuts To The Programs. In June 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Massie, R-Ky, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and the possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Scanlon said “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which states that it is the House’s responsibility to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicaid for our future generations and reject any cuts to these essential programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to 215-203. [H. Res. 463, Vote #247, 6/6/23; CQ, 6/6/23; Congressional Record, 6/6/23]

14. May 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Protecting Social Security And Medicare And Rejecting Cuts To The Programs. In May 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Burgess, R-Texas, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Leger Fernandez said, “Madam Speaker, I point out that if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution, which states that it is the House’s responsibility to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare for future generations and reject any cuts to these essential programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 219-208. [H.Res. 429, Vote #230, 5/23/23; CQ, 5/23/23; Congressional Record, 5/23/23]

15. May 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Protecting Social Security And Medicare And Rejecting Cuts To The Programs. In May 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Fischbach, R-Minn, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Mr. Speaker, I urge that we defeat the previous question. If we do, I will offer an amendment to the rule for consideration of a resolution which states that it is the House’s responsibility to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare for future generations and reject any cuts to these essential programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 220-209. [H.Res. 398, Vote #215, 5/16/23; CQ, 5/16/23; Congressional Record, 5/16/23]

16. May 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Protecting Social Security And Medicare And Rejecting Cuts To The Programs. In May 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Roy, R-Texas, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Scanlon said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution which states that it is the House’s responsibility to protect and preserve Social Security and Medicare for our future generations and reject any cuts to these essential programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 215-211. [H.Res.383, Vote #205, 5/10/23; CQ, 5/10/23; Congressional Record, 5/10/23]

17. April 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Stating Responsibility To Defend And Preserve Social Security And Medicare And Reject Cuts To The Programs. In April 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Cole, R-Okla., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Mr. Speaker, I urge that we defeat the previous question. If we do, then I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution that allows the House to state unequivocally that it is our responsibility to defend and preserve Social Security and Medicare for generations to come and reject any cuts to these vital programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 218-210. [H. Res. 327, Vote #195, 4/26/23; CQ, 4/26/23; Congressional Record, 4/26/23]

18. April 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Affirming Commitment To Protect And Strengthen Social Security And Medicare And Reject Cuts To The Programs. In April 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Houchin, R-Ind., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Leger Fernandez said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, which I hope we do, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution that affirms the House’s unwavering commitment to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare and states that it is the position of the House to reject any cuts to the program.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 218-203. [H.Res. 298, Vote #185, 4/18/23; CQ, 4/18/23; Congressional Record, 4/18/23]

19. March 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Affirming Commitment To Protect And Strengthen Social Security And Medicare. In March 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Reschenthaler, R-Pa., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Mr. Speaker, I urge that we defeat the previous question. If we do, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution that affirms the House’s unwavering commitment to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, and states that it is the position of the House of Representatives to reject any cuts to these programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 218-203. [H.Res. 260, Vote #165, 3/28/23; CQ, 3/28/23; Congressional Record, 3/28/23]

20. March 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of A Resolution To Defend And Preserve Social Security And Medicare And Reject Cuts To The Programs. In March 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Houchin, R-Ind., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Scanlon said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution that states the House’s unyielding responsibility to defend and preserve Social Security and Medicare for generations to come and to affirm that it is the position of the House to reject any cuts to these vital programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 219-204. [H.Res. 241, Vote #146, 3/23/23; CQ, 3/23/23; Congressional Record, 3/23/23]

21. March 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Affirming Commitment To Protect Social Security And Medicare And To Reject Cuts To The Programs. In March 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Massie, R-Ky., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Madam Speaker, I urge that we defeat the previous question, and if we do, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution that affirms the House’s unwavering commitment to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare and states that it is the position of the House to reject any cuts in the program.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 217-205. [H.Res. 199, Vote #134, 3/8/23; CQ, 3/8/23; Congressional Record, 3/8/23]

22. February 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Affirming Commitment To Protect And Strengthen Social Security And Medicare And Reject Cuts To The Programs. In February 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Burgess, R-Texas, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to provide for consideration of a resolution that affirms the House’s unwavering commitment to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare and states that it is the position of the House to reject any cuts to the programs.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 213-201. [H.Res. 166, Vote #122, 2/28/23; CQ, 2/28/23; Congressional Record, 2/28/23]

23. February 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Certification That A Bill Won’t Decrease Social Security Benefits Before It Can Take Effect. In February 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Langworthy, R-N.Y., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. Scanlon said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to ensure that H.R. 185 does not take effect unless it is certified that it won’t decrease Social Security benefits.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 217-208. [H.Res. 97, Vote #108, 2/7/23; CQ, 2/7/23; Congressional Record, 2/7/23]

24. January 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Preventing Bills Under Consideration From Decreasing Social Security Benefits. In January 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Reschenthaler, R-Pa., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Mr. Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to this rule to include this important amendment and give every Member on the floor the opportunity to clarify that existing Federal programs like Social Security and Medicare are not under attack by this new Congress.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 219-207. [H. Res. 83, Vote #101, 2/1/23; CQ, 2/1/23; Congressional Record, 2/1/23]

25. January 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Blocking Consideration Of Preventing Bills Under Consideration From Decreasing Social Security Benefits. In January 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Burgess, R-Texas, motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment).” According to the Congressional Record, Rep. McGovern said, “Madam Speaker, if we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to ensure that none of the bills in this rule take effect unless it is certified that they do not decrease Social Security benefits.” A vote for the motion was a vote to block consideration of the bill. The motion was agreed to by a vote of 218-209. [H.Res. 75, Vote #95, 1/31/23; CQ, 1/31/23; Congressional Record, 1/31/23]

26. April 2023: Chavez-DeRemer Voted For Suspending The Debt Limit Through March 2024 Or Until $1.5 Trillion Has Been Reached And Capping Federal Spending For FY 2024 At 2022 Levels With A Capped 1% Per Year Growth. In April 2023, Chavez-DeRemer voted for: “Passage of the bill, as amended, that would suspend the statutory limit on federal debt through March 31, 2024, or until an additional $1.5 trillion has been borrowed — whichever occurs first. It would also include a range of provisions to limit federal spending, as well as the text of a previously passed energy and permitting policy package. The bill would set base discretionary spending limits through fiscal 2033, capping spending for fiscal 2024 at the fiscal 2022 level of $1.47 trillion — a reduction from current spending levels — and raising the cap by 1 percent annually through fiscal 2033. It would also include similar annual cap adjustments for specified programs, including for wildfire suppression, disability reviews and redeterminations, health care fraud and abuse control, and disaster reemployment services and eligibility assessments. The bill would rescind unobligated amounts from various funds provided by the fiscal 2022 reconciliation package (PL 117-169) for COVID-19 relief, IRS enforcement, and certain climate- and infrastructure focused initiatives, as well as all unobligated funding from the March 2021 coronavirus relief reconciliation package (PL 117-2) and earlier coronavirus response laws. The bill would expand or establish work requirements for Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19 to 55 and raise from 49 to 55 the oldest age at which existing work requirements would apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries. It would also modify various work standards for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, including to update the baseline for calculating certain state workforce participation standards and require states to collect certain data related to work outcomes for TANF participants. To limit regulatory spending, the bill would nullify pending executive actions suspending student loan payments and prohibit the Education Department from implementing any substantially similar actions without congressional approval. It would also establish a process to require congressional approval of all “major” federal rules that would have an annual impact of at least $100 million, cause a major increase in prices, or cause significant adverse effects to economic competitiveness. Among energy- and climate-focused provisions, the bill would repeal, phase out or narrow a variety of climate-focused tax credits under the fiscal 2022 reconciliation package, including repealing new credits for solar and wind projects, sustainable aviation fuel and clean fuel production. It would also include the full text of the House-passed energy and permitting package (HR 1) that would require a number of actions to boost the domestic production of fossil fuels and certain critical minerals and accelerate the construction of natural gas pipelines and other energy infrastructure, while reversing or repealing certain presidential actions taken and laws enacted during the Biden administration related to energy policy and climate change.” The bill passed by a vote of 217-215. [H.R. 2811, Vote #199, 4/26/23; CQ, 4/26/23]

- The Funding Cuts In The Republican Debt Limit Deal Would Worsen Wait Times For Social Security And Medicare. “Today, the White House released 51 fact sheets highlighting the devastating impacts of the Default on America Act on states and the District of Columbia. Nationally, the Default on America Act would have devastating impacts on the American people. It would: […] Worsen Social Security and Medicare Assistance Wait Times for Seniors. Under the House Republicans’ Default on America Act, people applying for disability benefits would have to wait at least two months longer for a decision. With fewer staff available, seniors would also be forced to endure longer wait times when they call for assistance for both Social Security and Medicare, and as many as 240 Social Security field offices could be forced to close or shorten the hours they are open to the public.” [White House, 5/2/23]

Bynum will fight to protect these hard-earned benefits so that our seniors can retire with dignity.

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Editorial endorsement May 2024: Janelle Bynum is Democrats’ best pick in primary for Oregon’s 5th Congressional District