Speaker Mike Johnson's call for Republicans to confront Social Security's long-term financial problems if they retain control of Congress after the midterm elections has exposed divisions within the GOP.

Some Senate Republicans warn that talk of entitlement reform could become a political liability heading into November, The Hill reported Monday.

Johnson's comments came after the latest Social Security trustees report projected that the retirement program's trust fund will be depleted in 2032, a year earlier than previously expected, triggering an automatic 22% reduction in benefits unless Congress acts.

The Louisiana Republican argued that lawmakers can no longer avoid addressing the growing costs of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which together account for most federal spending.

"The reason we're in trouble is because over 74% of federal spending is on autopilot — mandatory spending, that is your entitlement programs like Medicare, Medicaid and things like Social Security — they have to be adjusted and fixed," Johnson said during a recent interview on the "Moon Griffon Show."

"We have a plan to do that next year, and it's critical, because we're at $40 trillion-plus in debt," he added.

While fiscal conservatives welcomed Johnson's willingness to tackle an issue long viewed as politically untouchable, several Senate Republicans reacted cautiously, citing the political fallout that followed former President George W. Bush's unsuccessful effort to partially privatize Social Security in 2005, The Hill reported.

Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley said discussions about reforming Social Security often mask proposals to reduce benefits.

"Addressed? Reformed? That's usually code for 'cut.' I'm not in favor of that," Hawley said, adding that he is wary whenever policymakers begin discussing changes to the program.

Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy declined to endorse Johnson's position, saying only that the speaker was "entitled to his opinion."

Despite the political risks, some Republicans argue that the trustees report leaves Congress little choice but to begin discussing potential solutions.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul said he plans to urge congressional leaders to establish a bipartisan commission focused exclusively on preserving the solvency of Social Security and Medicare.

"I'm sending a letter to our leadership," Paul said. "The sole goal is to discuss how to make Social Security and Medicare solvent."

Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson also welcomed the speaker's comments and said Republicans should follow through if they retain congressional majorities.

"We were promised ... if we retain the majority, we're definitely going to tackle this," Johnson said. "I'll try and hold them to this."

The debate comes as President Donald Trump continues to insist that Social Security and Medicare benefits will not be cut under his watch.

Alaska GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Congress cannot ignore the looming financial challenges but questioned whether lawmakers will have the political will to act.

"These are the things that nobody wants to touch because they're so big," Murkowski said. "The only way they happen is if they are a bipartisan effort from the get-go."