Gang of Six Open to Soc Sec Reform

Politico reports:

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said on Sunday the "Gang of Six" senators is "very close" to a deal on deficit reduction, suggesting the plan would impact Social Security that most Democrats have said is off limits.

"We're going to make everybody mad with our approach," Warner said on CBS's "Face the Nation,"  "because we're touching every part of the problem."

Warner, who is part of the three Democrats who are negotiating with three Republicans to reach a bipartisan deal, said the group is "looking at making Social Security more sustainable."

Asked by host Bob Schieffer to clarify that the group will take on Social Security, Warner said, "Part of this is just math: 16 workers for every one retiree 50 years ago, three workers for every retiree now."

With President Barack Obama proposing new talks after laying out his vision on the issue last week, and House Republicans passing their own plan, Warner said he hopes the "Gang of Six" will stake out the middle-ground.

Warner said "everything" was on the table, including tax increases, spending cuts and entitlement reforms.