recalculation of the social benefits formula that would have resulted in lower payouts during the grand bargain talks of 2011 and again in his budget this spring. so this is why there are now some progressive democrats in congress trying to expand the terms of debate. this week, sharod brown of ohio became the late toast put his name to increase social security benefits. that's right. in an era defined by belt tightening, liberals are trying to provide retirees with bigger monthly checks. as more democrats sign on, we are seeing the beginnings to change the social security from not wanting to preserve it but to expanding it. these are the kind of long-term efforts that can take years but redefine the agenda of a political party. at the table with us now is congressman jerry nather of new york. he is one of 39 co-sponsors of