Protesters arrived outside a fundraiser Saturday in Armonk that was attended by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Mike Lawler.

They were concerned about possible cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

In a statement, Rep. Lawler says he has long opposed any cuts to both entitlement programs. 

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says both he and House Speaker McCarthy have reiterated that Medicare and Social Security are not to be touched when it comes to talks about the raising the nation’s debt.

The issue of cuts to Medicare and Social Security were laid bare by President Joe Biden at the State of the Union address last month. 

“Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans — some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset. I am not saying it’s a majority,” Biden said. As GOP lawmakers in the audience pushed back, Biden responded: “We’re not going to be moved into being threatened to default on the debt if we don’t respond.”

Still, some Republicans refused to back down, with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and others jumping to their feet, some yelling “Liar!”

The president answered back, “Stand up and show them: We will not cut Social Security! We will not cut Medicare!”

As Republicans continued to protest his accusations, he said, “We’ve got unanimity.”