Statement of the Hon. Ralph M. Hall, a Representative in Congress from the State of Texas

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, I would like to extend my sincere thanks for holding these important hearings to allow members to testify regarding improvements for Social Security. Social Security is so vital to the millions of Americans who depend on it as their only source of income, and we need to do all that we can to improve and secure Social Security for current and future generations of Americans. The President's Commission to Strengthen Social Security last year presented three models for modifying the current Social Security program and those need to be thoroughly discussed and debated. Obviously this is not an easy discussion, and there is not an easy answer.

I would like to bring the committee's attention to several issues of importance to my district regarding Social Security. As an advocate of shoring up and protecting the Social Security Trust Fund, I have sponsored two bills in this Congress addressing Social Security reform. H.R. 96, the Social Security Preservation Act of 2001, would take Social Security funding out of the federal budget, so that funds could not be used for any other purpose, such as paying off the national debt. In addition, it is my proposal that the funds would be placed in interest-bearing accounts with the purpose of increasing the amount of the Trust Fund. I have also introduced H.R. 97, the Notch Fairness Act of 2001, which will rectify the discrepancy that those born in the "Notch" years are facing.

I am a co-sponsor of a bill that would repeal the Social Security earnings limit for early retirees ages 62-64. In the last Congress, the earnings limit was repealed for workers 65 and older, and now it is time to do the same for workers in the 62-65 years of age category. The earnings limit is a disincentive for seniors to continue working because they cannot afford to have their Social Security benefit reduced. This is a shame because seniors are loyal and experienced workers and an asset to any employer.

I have always advocated that one-fourth of the federal surplus should be put toward the Social Security Trust Fund. As you may know, the annual report released by the Social Security Trust Funds, projects that Social Security expenditures will exceed revenues, so it is critical that we do more to protect Social Security.

Other issues of extreme importance to constituents in my district are Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision. These affect thousands of people who have paid into Social Security and into state retirement plans but cannot receive the full benefits of both. You may even be receiving calls, letters or emails from constituents in your districts concerning these issues as well. Current law affects the many teachers, postal workers and policemen, among others, who may have paid into social security as well as their own retirement plans and are seeking to receive the benefits of both. I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 2638, The Social Security Fairness Act of 2001, a bill that would eliminate the dual entitlement laws that prevent these important members of our communities from benefits that are rightfully theirs.

Again, I thank the Chairman for holding these important hearings on Social Security and I urge my colleagues to support these issues as part of a comprehensive Social Security Reform.