![\"U.S.](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/motleyfool.com\/188c51cc997ead4b881cd028b7ccf521.jpeg\"\/)
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Image source: Getty Images.<\/p>\n
One thing nearly everyone agrees on<\/p>\n
In a poll by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, 96% of voters said that Senate candidates must explain their plans to prevent looming Social Security<\/a> cuts. This demand effectively creates a mandate for action in 2026 and future elections.<\/p>\n The broad consensus is that a crisis is coming, and Congress must take steps to prevent it.<\/p>\n Sharp divisions regarding what needs to be done<\/p>\n The Reagan National Economic Survey asked registered voters about four different options for dealing with Social Security’s $250 billion shortfall — reducing benefits, raising taxes on workers, raising the full retirement age<\/a>, and simply adding to the national debt. Reaction to each of these suggestions was lukewarm. Even the most popular option — raising the retirement age — received only 26% support.<\/p>\n Survey respondents overwhelmingly rejected the four options presented, with many selecting “other” as their preferred approach to the issue expected to affect more than 70 million Americans.<\/p>\n “Other” suggestions<\/p>\n Of those who preferred to add their own ideas to the survey, 40% suggested increasing taxes on the wealthy or corporations, or lifting the Social Security tax cap. Currently, only the first $184,500 of an individual’s wages are subject to Social Security taxes, and these 40% would like to see that cap increased or removed.<\/p>\n Given that the U.S. spent $954 billion in 2025 alone, 13% of respondents would like to see the U.S. reduce spending on national security and defense priorities.<\/p>\n Offered specific options<\/p>\n The survey asked respondents to choose between the following three options:<\/p>\n Increase your taxes by $1,500<\/p>\n Cut existing retiree benefits by $5,000<\/p>\n Cut benefits to moderately high-net-worth retirees by $15,000<\/p>\n An overwhelming 71% chose the last option, preferring to trim Social Security benefits to households that may not be counting on them as they plan for retirement. This option was chosen by 75% of Democrats, 72% of Independents, and 66% of Republicans. It was even endorsed by 60% of those currently earning more than $200,000 annually.<\/p>\n If anything, the survey revealed how strongly Americans feel about preserving the Social Security system. It also serves as a reminder of the many ways Congress may be able to shore up the program before it falls over the 2032 fiscal cliff.<\/p>\n The\u00a0$23,760\u00a0Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook<\/p>\n If you’re like most Americans, you’re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known\u00a0“Social Security secrets”<\/a> could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more… each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we’re all after.<\/p>\n Many Americans leave money on the table in retirement. Learn more about these retirement strategies and more, available when you join Stock Advisor.<\/p>\n View the “Social Security secrets” \u00bb<\/a><\/p>\n The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n