Protect Our Seniors Act

This proposal would set simple but strong Senate rules to protect Medicare and Social Security. It would block votes on any bill that cuts these benefits. It would also stop lawmakers from using Medicare savings or new Medicare taxes to pay for unrelated things. These blocks are called “points of order,” which are basically rules that prevent certain votes unless a supermajority agrees to move forward .

To get around these protections, at least two-thirds of Senators would have to agree. This high bar makes it much harder to pass bills that reduce Medicare or Social Security, or that take money from Medicare to fund other programs .

• Who is affected: People who rely on Medicare and Social Security; lawmakers writing budget bills.
• What changes: New Senate rules would block bills that cut these benefits or use Medicare savings for unrelated costs, unless two-thirds of Senators vote to allow it.
• How it works: A Senator can raise a rule-based objection to stop a vote; overcoming it needs a two-thirds vote .