Sen. Bernie Sanders says that when Democrats take over the Senate, his top Social Security goal will be raising benefits by at least $2,400 a year, paid for by making the wealthy pay more into the program.
What he said
Sanders made the pledge on X at 1:22 p.m. ET on Saturday, four days after Democrats won control of the Senate in the midterms. “As the next chair of the Social Security Subcommittee, a top priority will be to expand Social Security benefits by at least $2,400 a year & extend Social Security’s solvency for generations,” the Vermont independent wrote.
He then answered his own question. “How? By scrapping the cap & demanding that the wealthy pay their fair share of taxes.”
The post spread fast. Within about two hours it had more than 6,000 likes and over 1,000 replies on X.
What “the cap” means
Workers pay Social Security tax only on earnings up to a yearly limit, often called the cap. In 2026 that limit is $184,500, according to the Social Security Administration. Pay above that amount is not taxed for Social Security.
Sanders wants high earners to keep paying on income above a set level. His Social Security Expansion Act, introduced with Sen. Elizabeth Warren and House Democrats, would apply the tax to income above $250,000 a year, according to his Senate office. His office says that plan would:
- Raise benefits by $2,400 a year.
- Keep the program fully funded for about 75 years.
- Leave taxes unchanged for households earning $250,000 or less.
Why it matters now
Sanders currently serves as the top Democrat, called the ranking member, on the Senate Finance Committee’s subcommittee on Social Security, pensions and family policy. Committee leaders come from the majority party, so the Democratic win puts him in line to chair the panel when the new Congress begins in January.
A subcommittee chair can hold hearings and push bills forward. Still, any change to Social Security would need to pass both chambers and be signed by President Trump, or survive a veto.
Advocates are already pushing in the same direction. Nancy Altman of the group Social Security Works said voters’ message was “Hands off our earned benefits!” and urged lawmakers to expand benefits with no cuts, according to Common Dreams.
The other side
As of Saturday afternoon, no Republican leaders or White House officials had publicly responded to Sanders’ post. Senate Republicans have not yet said how they will approach Social Security in the new Congress.
Quick timeline
- Nov. 3: Democrats win control of the House and Senate.
- Nov. 7, 1:22 p.m. ET: Sanders posts his Social Security plan on X.
- January 2027: The new Congress begins and committee chairs are set.
Sources: @SenSanders on X; Common Dreams; Office of Sen. Bernie Sanders; Social Security Administration.
