[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          FIX SOCIAL SECURITY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Connecticut (Mr. Larson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning to 
welcome everyone back to Congress, where hopefully we will get 
something done.
  There was an ominous note sent by the Speaker earlier in a press 
conference that there will be an impeachment proceeding, an inquiry. I 
don't think that is what the American people are ready for back home.
  They also said that they are here to shut down government. We need to 
shut down government? What the American people need is what everyone 
gave speeches about yesterday, talking about how after September 11 we 
all came together as a country and focused on what needs to be done.
  I have a great suggestion for you. How about we fix Social Security 
for the Americans that need it. We talk to the veterans and we talk to 
all the individuals who were first responders and tell them how much we 
appreciate what they do, but then we never vote that way in Congress.
  It has been 52 years since Congress has done anything to enhance 
Social Security. It has been 52 years and no action. How about we do 
something unique in this body and get a vote on Social Security.
  Every Member has a Social Security card. You know exactly how many of 
your constituents receive a Social Security check, something that is an 
earned benefit, something that they have paid for and worked all their 
lives.
  Yet, we are content here in this body to let 5 million fellow 
Americans in all your districts, 5 million Americans get a below-
poverty level check from the Federal Government when what they need is 
subsistence to survive.
  How about we get together as a body and come together and enhance the 
greatest insurance program in the Nation's history, the number one 
anti-poverty program for the elderly, and the number one anti-poverty 
for children. There are 10,000 baby boomers a day--if you are out 
there, baby boomers, call your Members and ask them to take a vote on 
Social Security.
  Look at your pay stub. It says FICA, Federal Insurance Contributions. 
Whose? Yours. And this Congress hasn't done anything for 52 years. It 
is long overdue. Think of this as an economic development. If you think 
this is socialism, think about all the constituents in your district 
that are going to get a paycheck. Think about the economic activity. 
Where do they spend that money? Right back in your district.
  They need your help. The Nation needs your help. We need to come 
together and unite and enhance Social Security, not just protect it, 
not cut it, as some have suggested, but to actually protect and expand 
the Nation's number one program that helps the elderly and helps our 
children of this great country of ours.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to direct their remarks 
to the Chair.

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