Federal Entitlement Programs

The American Association of Retired People (AARP) held a news conference to announce the release of a report on federal entitlement programs and the federal deficit titled, “Entitlements and the Federal Budget Deficit: Setting the Record Straight.” The report, and the presentation by AARP officials, showed that federal entitlement programs are not the main cause for the massive federal deficit, and entitlement programs are not benefiting the relatively well-off in the U.S. According to the federal government entitlements constitute a binding obligation on the part of the Federal Government, and eligible recipients have legal recourse if the obligation is not fulfilled. Social Security and veterans' compensation and pensions are examples of entitlement programs. Following opening remarks AARP spokesperson John Rother took questions from the press and audience assembled at the National Press CLub. close