It is true that no one knows for sure whether the president will sign off on cuts to Social Security. The problem is that the track record is not good–and this is a president who is a terrible negotiator. So, the Progressive Caucus isn’t waiting and has sent a letter which says in part:

“First, any cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid should be taken off the table. The individuals depending on these three programs deserve well-conceived improvements, not deep, ideologically driven cuts with harmful consequences. These cuts would hurt households and damage the country’s economic recovery as well.

Second, revenue increases must be a meaningful part of any agreement. Tax breaks benefiting the very richest Americans should be eliminated as part of this deal. Republican insistence on protecting these tax breaks will force middle-class families to shoulder the burden of even deeper budget cuts, and this is unacceptable.

These points are essential for any deal on the debt ceiling, but more work to rebuild the economy will remain after these negotiations have concluded.”

   Somehow, I guess, the Caucus does not trust the guy in the White House. Wonder why.