Allen West praises Obama for proposing major changes to Social Security... [View All]

"West has been a tireless critic of the president on just about everything.

But on Thursday, West seized on Obama's willingness to cut Social Security and Medicare as big progress (even though congressional Democrats are reportedly nervous about what the president might agree to.)

Here's the statement from West's office:

Congressman Allen West (FL-22) commended President Barack Obama today for proposing major changes to Social Security and Medicare.

As reported in the Washington Post this morning, President Obama plans to argue (with Congressional Leadership) 'that a rare consensus has emerged about the size and scope of the nation's budget problems and that policymakers should seize the moment to take dramatic action. (President Obama) is proposing significant reductions in Medicare spending and for the first time is offering to tackle the rising cost of Social Security.'

"I want to take this moment to commend President Obama for facing the facts that in order for us to bring our fiscal house in order, we need to take necessary steps to address mandatory spending such as Medicare and Social Security," West said. "For too long individuals and special interests groups have used these programs to demagogue and scare seniors in order to gain a political advantage. President Obama says he finally realizes that to save these programs we need to make significant reforms, and I support his goals."