Social Security

The Challenge

Since its creation in 1935, Social Security has provided millions of seniors with a foundation of economic security and lifted millions more out of poverty. Prior to

Honoring the Founder of Social Security

Social Security’s establishment, nearly 50 percent of all seniors in America lived in poverty. During his crusade to create the social insurance and retirement program, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “There is no tragedy in growing old, but there is tragedy in growing old without means of support.” Thanks in large part to the program’s success, the number of seniors living in poverty is now approximately 10 percent.

Social Security is a basic American value. It's a promise that if you work hard, you'll have some security when you retire or if you become disabled. It's a promise that seniors won't have to live in poverty. And it's a promise that if your spouse passes on, you will continue to have the support and security you need.

However, this basic American value is coming under increasing attack from President Bush, who has made irresponsible tax cuts a higher priority than the solvency of Social Security.

As President Bush has traveled throughout the country to sell his privatization plan, he has often said, “We have an obligation and a duty to confront problems and not pass them on to future generations.”

I share the President’s belief that we must work to strengthen Social Security. However, the President’s plan creates new problems for future generations to handle and does nothing to solve the current ones.

Specifically, the president's proposal: Ends guaranteed benefits. Does nothing to fix the long-term issues the system faces. Adds trillions of dollars to our national debt. Is dangerous. There is a better alternative. I believe we must: Preserve Social Security's guaranteed benefit Preserve Social Security's protections for workers when they are disabled Protect against benefit reductions for women, minorities and all others Protect our budget from ever growing deficits

Social Security has played an instrumental role in lifting seniors out of poverty and providing them with retirement security. As the 109th Congress progresses, I will continue to fight for the continued success of Social Security.

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