I recently talked with Rochester residents at an AARP informational booth at the Farmers Market, and Social Security came up often. ADVERTISEMENTCongress should protect and strengthen Social Security through the regular legislative process — not through commissions, fast-track mechanisms or procedures that restrict debate and amendments. Several proposals in Congress raise concerns, including the PROMISE Act (S. 4979), the Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2026 (H.R. Social Security is the foundation of retirement security for millions of Americans, and any changes should be considered openly, transparently and with full public accountability. Minnesotans deserve an open and honest discussion about how Congress will protect and strengthen Social Security for current and future generations.