[quote=livinincali]I’m not saying the government will do that but I am saying that when push comes to shove SS and other welfare benefits probably have the lowest standing in terms of have to be paid. Congress defunding those programs does not constitute a breach of contract in my eyes. We didn’t vote to end social security but we didn’t allocate any money to pay for it.[/quote]
SS benefits and other welfare benefits are not the same. SS benefits are specifically addressed in the 14th amendment as are other federal pension programs. SNAP and WIC payments could stop. SS and other federal pensions can’t without violating the law. It is the exact same violation as not paying interest on notes and bonds or not paying treasury bills when due.
I don’t think there is any logic whatsoever in arguing that the courts would see inaction by congress as a congressional act. Social Security, until changed, doesn’t need periodic appropriations. The trust fund is solvent, possibly even if interest payments stop. The way it’s funded is a permanent appropriation.
