[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 188 (Thursday, December 8, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H8266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SAFEGUARDING SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

  (Mr. REYES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. REYES. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the millions of 
people in this country, including the 55 million seniors, disabled 
workers, widows, and children currently receiving Social Security 
benefits that have their Social Security unnecessarily targeted as part 
of the debt reduction talks. Now, more than ever, we cannot jeopardize 
earned benefits of seniors who have worked so hard over their lifetime 
to retire with dignity. Every senior deserves dignity in their 
retirement. Every senior, no exceptions.
  For almost two-thirds of America's seniors, Social Security is the 
primary source of retirement income. Social Security is also a lifeline 
for workers who became disabled and for families who have lost a 
breadwinner. In the 16th District of Texas that I represent, over 
98,000 El Pasoans receive Social Security benefits. They depend on 
these benefits to buy groceries, pay utility bills, and fill their gas 
tanks.
  As their Representative, I want to ensure that we uphold the decades-
old promise to the American worker, in return for their years of hard 
work and contributions, that we ensure dignity in retirement, 
assistance of the disabled, and support for their surviving children.

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