FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Doug McGinn
October 18, 1999	(202) 225-3031

RYAN CRITICAL OF PRESIDENT FOR FOREIGN AID VETO
-- Raiding Social Security to Pay for Foreign Aid a Non-Starter --

"I will not vote for any measure that raids Social Security - period." WASHINGTON - First District Congressman Paul Ryan today expressed disappointment over President Clinton's veto of the FY 2000 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. The President has asked Congress for a 30 percent increase in foreign aid. Ryan noted to accomplish this, Congress would have to take $4 billion from the Social Security Trust Fund to pay for the President's foreign aid spending request.

"Following the President's veto today, it is clear that the Administration is set on raiding the Social Security Trust Fund finance an ever-growing list of new and expanded programs," said Ryan. "Let me be perfectly clear: This is not an option. I will not vote for any measure that raids Social Security - period."

"For the first time since 1960, Congress this year has held itself from raiding Social Security. The President claims he'll only do it for one more year, but that is simply unacceptable and unbelievable. Wisconsinites want to see action on protecting Social Security, not political double-speak. They know that the first step to protecting this important program is to end the raid on Social Security Trust Fund. This should not be about politics, it should be about principle and the responsibility we owe to both current and future generations."

"The bill the President just vetoed was a responsible bill that included increased funding for child survival programs, UNICEF, counter drug activities, and more. We must balance our responsibilities here at home as well as abroad. To this end, I cannot and will not support measures that are made at the expense of the Social Security Trust Fund."

For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Congressman Ryan, please contact Doug McGinn at (202) 225-3031.

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