Opening Statement of the Hon. E. Clay Shaw, Jr., a Representative in Congress from the State of Florida,
 and Chairman, Subcommittee on Social Security

Hearing on Social Security Improvements for Women, Seniors and Working Americans

March 6, 2002

Welcome.  When it comes to saving Social Security, the only way we can develop a bipartisan proposal is through cooperation and mutual respect.  The American people cannot afford for us to engage in demagoguery.  It only poisons the well of potential compromise and impedes constructive action to strengthen Social Security.  That is unacceptable.  The cost of doing nothing to save the system is just too high to let politics stand in the way of progress. 

In his radio address on Social Security’s 3^rd anniversary, President Roosevelt said, “[o]ur Government in fulfilling an obvious obligation to the citizens of the country has been doing so only because the citizens require action from their Representatives. If the people, during these years, had chosen a reactionary Administration or a ‘do nothing’ Congress, Social Security would still be in the conversational stage.…”

Fortunately, our predecessors found common ground and acted in the best interest of the American people.  We must continue that tradition and work together now to assure the success of Social Security continues for all Americans. 

We can begin today to find common ground, in advance of major reform, to improve the program for women, reassure seniors that promised benefits will be paid, and better educate the public.

As we heard at our hearing last week, Social Security is particularly important to women, since they live longer, earn less, take time away from the workforce to care for kids, and have less pension and asset income than men. 

Social Security’s lifetime-inflation adjusted benefits, spouse and survivor benefits, and progressive benefit formula provide critical protections for women.  Without Social Security, more than half of elderly women would live in poverty.

The Commissioner of Social Security and experts testified about ways we could improve benefits for women prior to reform without negatively affecting Social Security’s long-term solvency.  Women should not have to wait for comprehensive reform for us to make changes to improve their lives.

We also want to make sure seniors know that Social Security reform will not affect their benefits.  Seniors often see and hear conflicting information reported in print media and television, fueling their concerns that cuts to their benefits are imminent, despite commitments by the House of Representatives and the President that their benefits will not be touched. 

Today, we will hear ideas on how to express the commitment to preserve seniors' full benefits. Rather than debate the merits of any single approach, I hope we can discuss ideas for how best to convey our assurance to seniors that we willcontinue paying full benefits and COLAs to retirees, disabled workers, and their families- many of whom depend on Social Security for much or all of their income.

As we develop ways of better informing and assuring seniors about their benefits, we must ensure that the information provided to American workers is accurate and complete.  Last week, our witnesses testified about the importance of informing the public about Social Security and its finances.  The Commissioner of Social Security stated that she is looking at ways to improve the information provided in the Your Social Security Statement that is sent to all workers age 25 and older.  Any change to this document should build public understanding and enhance the national dialogue on Social Security reform.

I am delighted that so many of my colleagues wanted to testify today.  I hope that in examining these issues of mutual concern, we can both improve Social Security and build a foundation for the kind of bipartisan partnership we'll need to save Social Security.