[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 172 (Thursday, November 2, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S16589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            POSITION ON VOTE

 Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I was necessarily absent from the 
Senate today, Thursday, November 2, 1995. During my service in the 
Senate, I have always taken my duty to represent the people of South 
Carolina seriously and have been absent from Senate business only when 
necessary.
  With regard to the vote on the motion to waive the Budget Act on S. 
1372, the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act, I am a strong supporter 
of increasing the earnings test and would have voted in favor of 
waiving the Budget Act.
  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I understand and appreciate the 
concerns of senior citizens about the Social Security earnings limit.
  In the past, I have supported increasing the earnings limit for 
seniors who need to work, but it must be paid for responsibly. Today's 
proposal raised some questions for me. I was troubled by the effort to 
further cut domestic discretionary programs.
  While cutting domestic discretionary programs sounds simple, cuts of 
$9 billion could hurt West Virginia families and even seniors. Many of 
these programs that would be reduced under this proposal have already 
been cut severely. Plus the list includes fundamental programs for 
seniors themselves, like senior nutrition programs and the Low-Income 
Energy Assistance Program which helps seniors in West Virginia and 
other northern regions keep the heat on during the winter months. 
Cutting these programs could easily hurt the seniors that we say we 
intend to help by raising the earnings limit.
  Also, as Senator Simpson mentioned in his remarks, it is also 
difficult to determine what the effect might be of changing interest 
payments to the Social Security trust fund. Senator McCain acknowledged 
that this aspect of his legislation has not been fully studied, nor was 
it the focus during previous hearings on the overall issue. When it 
comes to the long-term solvency of the Social Security trust funds, I 
firmly believe we must be thoughtful and cautious. Seniors depend upon 
Social Security, and I want to ensure that they can continue to do so 
for generations.
  I voted for the point of order against Senator McCain's legislation 
because I believe that we must be cautious, consistent, and careful 
whenever we deal with the Social Security trust fund. Each and every 
aspect of this proposal should be fully considered by the Senate 
Finance Committee. We should not rush to judgment. We should not bend 
the budget rules when it come to Social Security.
  Mr. DOLE addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.
  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, let me first say I hope the Senator from 
Arizona will not be discouraged.
  I know a few votes would have made a difference, and I think if we 
can find another way to pay for it, that will pick up additional votes, 
at least on this side, perhaps on the other side.
  I want to make one announcement and a statement.

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