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“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ” |
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Pelosi: House Republicans’ Plan is Latest Attempt to Privatize Social Security
Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi joined Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and Ways and Means Committee Democrats Charles Rangel of New York, Sander Levin of Michigan, and John Tanner of Tennessee this morning at a news conference to discuss the latest Republican plan to privatize Social Security. Below are Pelosi’s remarks:
“Good morning. Before we begin on the subject of Social Security, I want to extend the condolences of the entire House Democratic Caucus, and indeed I’m sure every Member of Congress, to the families and friends of the eight Marines that were killed in and around Fallujah in the last 24 hours. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.
“Today, we are coming together to talk to you about the latest Republican Social Security plan. The one released this week represents the latest attempt to push risky privatization, and we will continue to inform the American people about the perils of privatization. This Republican plan takes us farther away from coming to a bipartisan solution on strengthening Social Security.
“The Republican privatization plan may sound different, but it reflects the same Republican goal: to turn a guaranteed benefit into a guaranteed gamble. Despite cosmetic changes, the Republican privatization plan would divert Social Security contributions to fund private accounts, explode the national debt, weaken Social Security rather than strengthening it, and continue the raid on the Social Security trust fund.
“House Democrats have traveled across the country – we’ve had nearly 900 meetings, including more than 500 town hall meetings other press events to listen to the American people about how we can strengthen Social Security for current and future generations.
“The feedback was clear: our nation’s commitment to Social Security has meant retirement and economic security for millions of American families. And, yet, despite resounding feedback from the American people against privatization, Republicans refuse to drop their partisan insistence on private accounts.
“This Congress has been about misplaced priorities and missed opportunities in many respects, and yet again, this is another one.
“Over the coming weeks, Democrats are going to continue the drumbeat of Social Security events around the country with the hope that the President and Republicans in Congress will begin focusing on how we can work together in a bipartisan way to ensure that American workers receive the benefits they have earned.
“By the time we have the 70th Anniversary of Social Security, which is the middle of August, we expect to have 1,000 town meetings, so we will be calling on our Members to go out there again for at least 100 more events. This mobilization has been critical to our success in pointing out the perils of privatization.”
“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”
Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi
