[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 19, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H10188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SOCIAL SECURITY LOCKBOX HELD HOSTAGE

  (Mr. HERGER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, today is day 145 of the Social Security 
lockbox held hostage by the Senate Democrats and President Clinton. One 
hundred forty-five days ago, House Republicans and Democrats joined 
together to pass my legislation, H.R. 1259, the Social Security and 
Medicare Safe Deposit Box Act of 1999, by an overwhelming 416-12 vote. 
The House of Representatives has made a commitment to not spend one 
penny of the Social Security trust fund on unrelated programs.
  Senate Republicans have attempted to bring this bill to the Senate 
floor seven times and on seven occasions the measure was blocked from 
even being considered by a straight party line vote. Mr. Speaker, 
American seniors deserve more from Senate Democrats and President 
Clinton. They deserve a lockbox for their Social Security.

                          ____________________