Statement by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Social Security Economic Recovery Payment

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(WASHINGTON D.C.) - President Barack Obama is pressuring Congress to pass on a measure that would provide a $250 payment to senior citizens.

The President's plan is motivated by the news that the Social Security Administration will not add a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the checks it sends out, for the second year in a row.

Obama wants to see Congress follow suit, by adding a one-time payment of $250 for Americans on Social Security.

In a news release issued today, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs stated: "Many seniors are struggling in the face of the economic downturn, having seen their savings fall. Today’s news that the Social Security Administration will for a second year not provide a cost of living adjustment for social security benefits highlights these struggles."

"The President will renew his call for a $250 Economic Recovery Payment to our seniors this year, as well as to veterans and people with disabilities."

Last year, under the Recovery Act, 56 million people benefited from the first Economic Recovery Payment—including about 50 million Social Security beneficiaries.

Gibbs stated, "We’re grateful that Speaker Pelosi has indicated she will bring the new Economic Recovery Payment to a vote and we urge members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to support our seniors, veterans and others with disabilities who depend on these benefits."