The Social Security deadline

Social Security is fully funded until the fourth quarter of twenty thirty-two, after which benefits will automatically be cut by twenty-two percent unless Congress acts.

Senate terms align with crisis

The class of senators elected this fall will serve six-year terms ending January twenty thirty-three, giving them power to address the twenty thirty-two deadline.

Current tax cap explained

Americans are currently taxed on earnings up to one hundred eighty-four thousand five hundred dollars to fund Social Security.

Michigan Democrat's position

Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed said if elected, he will end the cap on Social Security tax to make sure the rich pay their fair share.

“I will end the cap on Social Security tax to make sure the rich pay their fair share.”

Iowa Democrat's approach

Democrat Josh Turek supports eliminating the payroll tax cap and will protect Social Security by lifting the cap to make billionaires pay their fair share.

Texas Democrat's proposal

Democrat James Talarico is running on a platform to ensure the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share by eliminating the tax cap on those earning over four hundred thousand dollars a year.

Disagreement on cap level

Supporters of raising Social Security taxes disagree on whether to eliminate the cap entirely or move the new tax threshold to four hundred thousand dollars.

Democrats' PAC dilemma

Refusing corporate PAC contributions has become an article of faith among progressives, but the pledge faces complications from super PAC spending.

Direct PAC limits

Corporate PACs can only give five thousand dollars per election directly to a candidate, hardly enough to influence races that turn on tens of millions of dollars.

Schumer's super PAC haul

Senate Majority PAC, backed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, had raised one hundred fifty million dollars through the end of June, much from billionaires and corporations.

Hinson's debate challenge

Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, told Josh Turek he is taking laundered corporate PAC money that flows through Chuck Schumer to support him.

“He is basically taking laundered corporate PAC money.”

Turek's non-response

Turek ignored Hinson's invitation to call on corporate-funded outside groups to stop backing him in the Iowa Senate race.

Super PAC coordination limits

Super PACs cannot coordinate directly with campaigns but are designed to amplify candidates' messages, creating a grey area for Democratic candidates.

The Schumer paradox

Democratic candidates distance themselves from Schumer while benefiting from his fundraising, but a secret ballot leadership election next year may reveal their true preferences.