WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- Congressional republicans have been on the defensive over comments made by some Senators about possible cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

South Dakota Senator John Thune says the President exaggerated some of those legislative proposals.

Thune says there is a bi-partisan group that has been talking about the long term future of both programs.

Thune says the President is using Social Security as a possible campaign issue.

Over one hundred sixty thousand people in South Dakota depend on Social Security payments.