[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 132 (Monday, September 28, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PROTECT SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JIM KOLBE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 1998

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4578, the 
Republican plan to preserve 90 percent of the budget surplus for Social 
Security reform.
  In supporting this bill, Republicans demonstrate our commitment to 
the 44 million people currently receiving Social Security benefits and 
the 82 million beneficiaries who will retire and begin collecting 
Social Security three decades from now. This bill sets aside $1.4 
trillion dollars for Social Security--funds that will be used to 
strengthen a system that keeps millions of seniors out of poverty. 
Students of history will note this is $1.4 trillion dollars more than 
the Democrats set aside during their 40-year control of this chamber.
  In supporting this bill, Republicans demonstrate that we are pro-
active problem-solvers. Although the Social Security Trust Fund 
currently is running a surplus, we know that changing demographics--
including the retirement of baby boomers like me--will threaten the 
long-term viability of the program. By setting aside $1.4 trillion, we 
guarantee that Congress will have the resources needed to implement a 
reform plan and preserve Social Security in perpetuity.
  As Chairman Archer said earlier today, Republicans are committed to 
preserving Social Security and giving middle Americans much needed tax 
relief. Despite what the Democrats believe, these two are not mutually 
exclusive activities. The health of today's economy and a balanced 
budget generated from the prudent fiscal policies of GOP leadership 
give us the opportunity to do both.
  Mr. Speaker, I take exception with the rhetoric coming from the other 
side of the aisle on this topic. The Democrats accuse Republicans of 
raiding the Trust Fund, yet these same members sat in a Ways and Means 
Committee hearing last week and heard Judy Chesser, Deputy Commissioner 
of the Social Security Administration say that wouldn't happen with a 
tax cut. When Ms. Chesser was asked whether this bill would affect the 
OASDI Trust Fund, she replied simply and clearly, ``No.''
  The smear campaign Democrats are waging against this bill is 
irresponsible and absolutely false. America is fed up with lying; to 
set the record straight: This bill ``steals'' nothing--it ``saves'' 
money for Social Security. This bill ``robs'' from no one, it ``gives'' 
$1.4 trillion to our senior citizens.

                          ____________________