[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 130 (Saturday, August 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1658-E1659]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           COMMEMORATE AUGUST 16, 1995 AS SOCIAL SECURITY DAY

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                        HON. THOMAS M. FOGLIETTA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 4, 1995
  Mr. FOGLIETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate August 16, 1995 as 
Social Security Day to be celebrated in the Philadelphia North Broad 
Street Social Security Office.
  On August 14, 1935, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security 
Act to ``. . . give some measure of protection to the average citizen 
and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden 
old age.'' Since that historic signing, Social Security has 

[[Page E1659]]
evolved into a base of economic security for young and old alike. 
Although the original program provided just old-age insurance benefits, 
monthly Social Security benefits now keep about 12 million elderly 
people out of poverty.
  Of the nearly 43 million people receiving monthly benefits, 12.4 
million are children, spouses, widows, and widowers who receive 
benefits because a worker in their family became disabled or died. 
Benefits also are paid every month to 4 million disabled workers.
  Social Security is an integral part of American life. It is an 
essential element of the nation's economic well-being. Social Security 
addresses these uncertainties well-being. Social Security addresses 
these uncertainties brought about by death, disability, and old age. It 
continues to fulfill its historic commitment to serving the American 
people in a caring, effective way.
  The North Broad Street office of Social Security has contributed 
greatly to the lives of Philadelphia's seniors, and I am proud to 
commemorate August 16, 1995 as Social Security Day.


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