Ryan On Social Security Cuts Plan: ‘If I Lose My Job Over This, Fine’

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)
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Rep. Paul Ryan is blaming the “Democratic attack machine” even though members of his own party don’t publicly support his plan to dramatically cut Medicare and Social Security and effectively privatize those entitlement programs to end the deficit.

In an interview with the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, Ryan (R-WI) defended his “Roadmap” budget blueprint as a way to “prevent a fiscal crisis” in a government that’s on a “path to insolvency.”

Ryan insisted in the interview his plan was to get ideas on the table and end the policy stalemate in Washington. As we have been reporting, GOP leadership has backed far away from the Ryan plan and instead is touting their skeletal plan from 2009.

“The Democratic attack machine is in full throttle,” Ryan told the newspaper. “It’s sad but predictable.”

He added: “It’s really palpable about what’s wrong with government. … People are really worked up. If I lose my job over this, fine. But I want to prevent a fiscal crisis.”

More from the Journal Sentinel’s write up:

As the ranking member of the House Budget Committee, Ryan says his plan will ensure health and retirement security for all, address the country’s rising debt and promote a market-driven competitiveness in the economy.

Ryan said his plan is not the Republican alternative to President Barack Obama’s budget plan. Rather, he said, it is a long-term plan to address the country’s pressing financial needs.

“This is not a GOP bill. This is my plan,” he said.

Late Update: It may not be a Republican plan, but Democrats want to put it to a floor vote.

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