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| Reality Check: Special Pre-Recess Edition May 26th |
Momentum Continues to Grow for Action on Social Security
Cracks in the Wall of "Just Say No" Widen
The case for Social Security Reform has been made.
- 69% of Americans say the problem is major or is a crisis. (American ViewPoint)
- 72% of Americans say the problem is major or is a crisis. (CNN/USAToday/Gallup)
- 65% of African-Americans say the problem is major or is a crisis. (Americans United to Protect Social Security)
Now is the time for ideas and proposals...
- "I think the Democrats should say what they are for on Social Security in the next couple weeks; they've got time to put together a program. I think it should include an opportunity for people to participate in savings and ownership." (former President Bill Clinton)
- "It's time for the Democratic Party to speak out in support of the Social Security program, which is the essence of what it means to be a Democrat." (Democratic Rep. Robert Wexler, who introduced his own bill)
- "Social Security is a major problem in this country. We have to make sure that it's preserved for those that come after us. I think President Bush should be given credit for the fact that he has initiated a debate regarding what we should do." (Teamsters President James P. Hoffa, Detroit News 5/25/05)
...not for stonewalling.
- "We will not attempt to solve the problem as long as he continues to try and gut Social Security with his privatization plan. We will not negotiate with you until you take privatization off the table." (Senator Harry Reid, AP, 3/5/05)
- "Once the Republicans take privatization off the table, we are going to work with them to find bipartisan solutions to strengthen Social Security." (House Democratic leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, New York Times, 3/22/05)
- Our nation needs a bipartisan effort of Republicans and Democrats working together to address the challenges of Social Security. The future of Social Security is too important to get bogged down in political fighting.
As Members of Congress embark on the Memorial Day recess, remember this: Americans want both parties to address the looming crisis and engage in a serious discussion about how to fix Social Security to protect the retirement security of our children and grandchildren.