Social Security and Seniors

August 14th was the 77th Anniversary of Social Security being signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Before Social Security, most working Americans retired into poverty. Today, 160 million workers are building toward a more secure retirement for themselves and their families through their contributions, and 55 million seniors, disabled workers, widows and children currently rely on it for economic security each month. Over its 77 year history, and through 13 recessions, Social Security has never failed to pay on time and in full, and has never added a penny to the nation’s deficit or debt. By the end of 2012, the Social Security Trust Fund is projected to have a $2.7 trillion surplus. Click here to see a timeline of Social Security through the years.

In the midst of attempts to radically reform these programs, I will continue to work to ensure that Social Security remains a strong and stable program. We must not balance the budget on the backs of our seniors. My father will turn 90 years old this summer, and he worked all his life so that he could proudly send all four children to college without ever making more than $25,000 a year. It would be unconscionable to take away Medicare and Social Security benefits from seniors - like my father - who contributed to these programs all their lives. Seniors have earned it with a lifetime of hard work, and it should be there now and for future generations. I vow to continue to fight to preserve these programs for the next generation.

For more information concerning my work and views on Social Security and Seniors, please contact my Washington, DC office.

I look forward to your feedback.

Thank you.