RE: Bush Comments on Social Security

Bush Comments on Social Security

Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following comment about the President's remarks tonight on Social Security.

"Just like President Clinton started out to do, President Bush has given Congress an opportunity to fix Social Security's problems. President Bush's steadfast leadership on this issue is important because we want every American to have a safe and secure retirement. Social Security is part of the social fabric of America. It's a good deal for my generation, but Social Security will be a raw deal for my grandkids' generation if Congress doesn't act to secure the program's future.

"As chairman of the Senate committee responsible for Social Security legislation, I've held two hearings this year to talk about the program's solvency and options that could strengthen Social Security for younger workers. I'm planning another hearing next month and intend to present legislation for committee action this summer. I've invited every member of the committee,
Republicans and Democrats, to come to the table and work on a solution.

"The annual Trustees report says the Social Security program is unsustainable in its current form. Those who are spending their time attacking and trying to frame this debate in partisan terms would do a lot more good for future retirees by working to find solutions to put this vital program on sustainable footing. It's irresponsible to badmouth ideas that could help do that without offering any of your own.

"I want to take advantage of the environment created by the President's leadership to strengthen Social Security. Members of Congress are elected to solve problems, not kick them down the road for someone else to deal with. The question this year is, do lawmakers care more about the next election or the next generation?"

http://finance.senate.gov/press/Gpress/2005/prg042805.pdf