“Seventy-one years ago, with the creation of Social Security, our nation made a commitment to the dignity and retirement security of all Americans.  Today, as we do every day, Democrats reaffirm our commitment to this guaranteed benefit. 

“Republicans continue their relentless quest to privatize Social Security, which would slash benefits for the middle class and turn this guaranteed benefit into a guaranteed gamble.  The Republican budget would spend $712 billion over the next 10 years for Social Security privatization.  When the President updated his budget, it contained Social Security private accounts.  Top Bush Administration officials and Republican Congressional leaders have said several times that they plan to refocus on Social Security privatization after the 2006 election.  This is the wrong direction. 

“Democrats will continue to fight any effort to privatize Social Security.  By taking our country in a new direction, we will strengthen Social Security.”