Social Security Lock Box

Washington, D.C., Nov 21 -

Knowing of your interest in Social Security, I wanted to share some thoughts with you on this issue as we prepare to make the transition to new leadership in Congress and the Executive Branch. 

As you may know, there is a Social Security trust fund in the federal treasury that pays benefits to current retirees.  When the fund collects more in taxes than it pays out in benefits, current law requires the Secretary of the Treasury to invest this money in government-backed securities to garner interest.  My impression is that the public wishes for this money to remain in the trust fund, where it belongs. 

I made a commitment to you as your Representative that I would preserve, protect, and strengthen Social Security.  Any and all money in the Social Security trust fund should be preserved and used only for paying future benefits.  It is irresponsible and bad policy to spend this money on any unrelated expenses.  The government should not squander tax dollars on programs that simply do not work.  All hardworking Americans have paid into the Social Security program and should be able to rely on its benefits for a lifetime.

As we near the end of this Congress, it is clear there are no planned changes to the way the trust fund is spent.  I am eager to see how the new Administration will address the critical issues that face the Social Security system.  While I understand there may not be an easy solution, my hope is that President Obama and the Democrat Majority in the House and Senate will not carelessly spend this surplus on irresponsible programs.  I promise to work in a bi-partisan manner to see that your tax dollars remain in the Social Security trust fund until you collect them in the form of retiree benefits.