[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCING THE SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFICIARY TAX REDUCTION ACT AND THE 
                  SENIOR CITIZENS' TAX ELIMINATION ACT

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                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 6, 2009

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce two pieces 
of legislation to reduce taxes on senior citizens. The first bill, the 
Social Security Beneficiary Tax Reduction Act, repeals the 1993 tax 
increase on Social Security benefits. Repealing this increase on Social 
Security benefits is a good first step toward reducing the burden 
imposed by the federal government on senior citizens. However, imposing 
any tax on Social Security benefits is unfair and illogical. This is 
why I am also introducing the Senior Citizens' Tax Elimination Act, 
which repeals all taxes on Social Security benefits.
  Since Social Security benefits are financed with tax dollars, taxing 
these benefits is yet another example of double taxation. Furthermore, 
``taxing'' benefits paid by the government is merely an accounting 
trick, a shell game which allows members of Congress to reduce benefits 
by subterfuge. This allows Congress to continue using the Social 
Security trust fund as a means of financing other government programs, 
and masks the true size of the federal deficit.
  Instead of imposing ridiculous taxes on senior citizens, Congress 
should ensure the integrity of the Social Security trust fund by ending 
the practice of using trust fund monies for other programs. This is why 
I am also introducing the Social Security Preservation Act, which 
ensures that all money in the Social Security trust fund is spent 
solely on Social Security. At a time when Congress' inability to 
control spending continues to threaten the Social Security trust fund, 
the need for this legislation has never been greater. When the 
government taxes Americans to fund Social Security, it promises the 
American people that the money will be there for them when they retire. 
Congress has a moral obligation to keep that promise.
  In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to help free 
senior citizens from oppressive taxation by supporting my Senior 
Citizens' Tax Elimination Act and my Social Security Beneficiary Tax 
Reduction Act. I also urge my colleagues to ensure that moneys from the 
Social Security trust fund are used solely for Social Security benefits 
and not wasted on frivolous government programs.

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