Bessent bets growth to shield Social Security from the debt

At a Senate Finance hearing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argues that faster growth and tighter control of spending can stabilize Social Security without tax increases or benefit cuts, anchored by a 3‑3‑3 framework: about 3% growth, roughly 3% of GDP in deficits, and 3 million barrels per day more domestic energy. Democrats contend deficits and trust‑fund shortfalls remain a risk and growth alone may not solve the problem, while some Republicans hint at alternative Social Security accounts as part of the debate.