[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16745]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, for more than 60 years, the Social Security 
program has been one of the most successful governmental initiatives 
this country has ever witnessed. August 14, 2000 marks the 65th 
anniversary of the Social Security Act, signed by President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt in 1935. This historic event in 1935 changed the face of 
America by providing protections for retired workers and for those who 
face loss of income due to disability or death of the family 
breadwinner. We must look to the future to ensure a strong Social 
Security program for every individual in America.
  During the time of the Great Depression, jobs were scarce and many 
were unable to compete for new employment. President Roosevelt 
recognized that a change was needed, he called for reform and the 
Social Security Act was born.
  Social Security has changed remarkably over the past six decades. 
Under the 1935 law, Social Security only paid retirement benefits to 
the primary worker. A 1939 change in the law added survivor benefits 
and benefits for the retiree's spouse and children. In 1956 disability 
benefits were added. Thus, we have seen how Social Security has grown 
to meet the needs of not only retirees, but also their families.
  For many Americans, Social Security has become a crucial component of 
their financial well-being. In fact, an estimated 42% of the elderly 
are kept out of poverty because of their Social Security checks. Today 
more than 44 million people receive retirement, survivor, and 
disability benefits through the Social Security program, 1.6 million in 
Michigan. Social Security has had an enormous effect on the lives of 
millions of working Americans and their families.
  As we celebrate this historic event, we remember what America was and 
how Americans have shaped their country into the prosperous nation that 
it is today. Since 1935 Social Security has served the American people 
well and will continue to do so into the future.

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