[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 120 (Tuesday, August 10, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 10, 2010

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Social Security Act. One of the 
cornerstones of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal, the 
Social Security Act drastically enhanced economic security in our 
country.
  Shepherded by then Labor Secretary, Frances Perkins, the Social 
Security Act marked the first time a President and Congress sought to 
offer financial protections for the elderly. Today, that groundbreaking 
legislation encompasses several programs, including: Supplemental 
Security Income; Federal Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance; 
SCHIP; Medicaid; Medicare; TANF; and Unemployment benefits.
  On the third anniversary of the Social Security Act, President 
Roosevelt said, ``We have come a long way. But we still have a long way 
to go. There is still today a frontier that remains unconquered--an 
America unclaimed. This is the great, the nationwide frontier of 
insecurity, of human want and fear. This is the frontier--the America--
we have set ourselves to reclaim.''
  Today, much of that dream has been realized. While we may never 
completely eradicate poverty, great strides have been made. In 1935, 
more than 50% of the elderly population lived in poverty. Today that 
poverty rate stands officially at 9.4%. However, that rate may not 
truly reflect the number of elderly that actually face poverty, as the 
formula instated in 1955 does not adequately take into account the cost 
of medicine or other factors that face the senior population.
  As we recognize and celebrate this anniversary, we must still bear in 
mind the unmet needs and reforms needed to our current system. A strong 
society is the one which takes into account the needs of the least 
among us, as well as those who are better off. I believe strongly in 
fiscal responsibility, however we must not turn back the clock on the 
humanitarian policies created by the Democrats under the New Deal. It 
is a strong and proud legacy, and our country is certainly better for 
the security provided by the Social Security Act.

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