A group of nearly 100 people — primarily senior citizens — gathered outside U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean’s Fernandina Beach office on Thursday, voicing concerns over potential Social Security cuts and protesting billionaire Elon Musk’s role in advocating for reduced government spending.
The demonstrators, holding protest signs outside Bean’s Centre Street office, were determined to make their voices heard. About 30 of them proceeded inside to meet with Bryan Campbell, the congressman’s deputy director, for an hour-long discussion. Congressman Bean was not in the office at the time.
Bean serves as co-chair of the U.S. House bipartisan Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, a group focused on reducing government expenditures —raising concerns among protesters about the potential impact on Social Security and other federal programs.
In a crowded conference room, Campbell stood at one end, attentively listening and taking notes on a legal pad as constituents shared their fears and frustrations.
Voices from the Community
Beth Bivins, who has contributed to Social Security since she was 15, expressed deep concern about its future.
“That’s going to be a large part of my retirement income when I do retire. And I’m very concerned that Social Security won’t be available when I need it,” she said. “I also don’t want unelected individuals accessing my personal data. I want Congressman Bean to consider not just those already on Social Security but also those who will rely on it in the future.”
Shelia Cocchi, a local Democratic activist and legal guardian of two teenagers, underscored that Social Security isn’t just for seniors.
“They (my teenagers) rely on Social Security. It’s not just for older people. They also receive Medicaid for health care, and without it, I wouldn’t be able to afford insurance for them,” Cocchi said. “With Congressman Bean co-chairing the DOGE Caucus, I don’t see how they can make the budget cuts they’re proposing without touching Social Security —it’s mathematically impossible.”
Broken Promises and Unanswered Calls
Laurie Rodriguez, a 30-year Fernandina Beach resident, said she was speaking on behalf of many elderly friends from her Bible study group.
“Mr. Bean has said at church services that he would protect Social Security,” she stated. “But my friends are worried. They’re asking, ‘Who is this Elon Musk, and why is he involved?’”
Rodriguez noted she had called Bean’s office five times without receiving a response via call, email, or text. She also works for the Council on Aging and highlighted how proposed cuts would negatively impact that agency.
“This is just not right. He (Bean) should be more aware of the people and their suffering,” she said. “He shouldn’t be cozying up to people like Musk.”
Helen Santiago questioned why the U.S. House of Representatives had seemingly relinquished its oversight role in government spending cuts.
“I am a citizen, and I just don’t understand it,” she said. “There’s no way to verify whether the numbers they’re using are grounded in reality.”
Financial Struggles and Demands for Action
Joan Cipriano, recently widowed, shared how losing her husband’s pension left her financially vulnerable.
“Now I have to live on Social Security and my savings, which barely cover half of my monthly bills,” she said. “On top of that, I now have to worry about unvetted people working to cut Social Security. You can’t constantly take from the poor to cater to the rich. The least Congressman Bean can do is fight to protect my Social Security.”
Campbell’s Response
Campbell clarified that he could not speak on behalf of Congressman Bean but reiterated Bean’s previously stated positions.
“He has specifically supported preserving Social Security through the Ways and Means Committee process, and no one currently receiving or about to receive Social Security should be affected,” Campbell assured. “There has been discussion in the committee —though Bean hasn’t voted on it yet — about potential changes for people who haven’t started paying into Social Security or are more than 40 years away from collecting benefits. I don’t have the details on that.”
Campbell encouraged anyone experiencing difficulties with Social Security to contact Bean’s office for assistance.
Despite these assurances, many in attendance left the meeting unconvinced, fearing that Social Security remains at risk. As discussions continue in Washington, local seniors and advocates vowed to keep the pressure on Congressman Bean to protect their benefits.
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