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to Link Statement |
Committee on Ways & Means
Subcommittee on Social Security
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2001
Contact: 202-225-8933
Chairman Shaw Calls for Constructive
and Measured Discourse on Strengthening Social Security
WASHINGTON – In anticipation of the field hearing by the
President’s Commission to Strengthen Social Security, Rep. Clay
Shaw (R-FL), Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee, made the
following remarks:
Social Security is America’s most popular and important
domestic program. Our government made a solemn promise to its
people, and we will keep that promise.
Seniors who now receive benefits will always receive them. We
will NEVER fail to deliver for today’s seniors and those near
retirement. This promise is worth repeating. Today’s seniors will
get their benefits - no ifs, ands or buts.
Members of both political parties have often disagreed about the
solution to strengthen and save Social Security. But now, for the
first time, some even dispute the existence of a problem with the
program’s financial stability.
This is like debating the meaning of the word ‘is.’ It
is indisputable. Starting in 2016, Social Security will start going
bankrupt.
These demagogues falsely accuse the Presidential Commission of
using scare tactics simply because their diligent fact-finding
confirms Social Security’s future cash shortfall.
During the hearing, I ask my colleagues to offer measured,
constructive and thoughtful discourse rather than engage in radical
remarks aimed at blowing up the process. Americans deserve far
better from their elected officials.
The President’s Commission to Strengthen Social Security is
carefully and fairly pursuing the facts and soliciting the input
needed to develop bipartisan recommendations for modernizing and
strengthening Social Security, while protecting benefits.
On Thursday, in San Diego, California, the Commission will hear
the views of concerned Americans from diverse backgrounds and varied
age groups. The next hearing will be held on September 21 in
Cincinnati, Ohio. These hearings demonstrate the Commission’s
commitment to operate in a thoughtful and bipartisan manner and to
carefully consider the public’s views and concerns as they craft
their proposal.
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