[House Report 105-493]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
105th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 105-493
_______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1998
_______
April 23, 1998.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Archer, from the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 3546]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Ways and Means, to whom was referred the
bill (H.R. 3546) to provide for a national dialogue on Social
Security and to establish the Bipartisan Panel to Design Long-
Range Social Security Reform, having considered the same,
report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that
the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Pages
I. Introduction......................................................6
A. Purpose and Summary................................... 6
B. Background and Need for Legislation................... 6
C. Legislative History................................... 7
II. Explanation of Provisions.........................................7
A. Section 1. Short Title................................ 7
B. Title I--National Dialogue on Social Security......... 7
1. Section 101. Establishment of National Dialogue... 7
2. Section 102. Facilitators......................... 7
3. Section 103. Plans for National Dialogue.......... 8
4. Section 104. Dialogue Council..................... 8
5. Section 105. Private Sponsorship and Other
Requirements..................................... 9
5. Section 106. Constituency Input................... 10
7. Section 107. Reports.............................. 11
8. Section 108. Termination.......................... 11
9. Section 109. Authorization of Appropriations...... 11
C. Title II--Bipartisan Panel to Design Long-Range Social
Security Reform...................................... 12
1. Section 201. Establishment of Panel............... 12
2. Section 202. Duties of Panel...................... 12
3. Section 203. Membership of the Panel.............. 12
4. Section 204. Procedures........................... 13
5. Section 205. Administration....................... 13
6. Section 206. Report............................... 14
7. Section 207. Termination.......................... 15
8. Section 208. Authorization of Appropriations...... 15
III.Vote of the Committee............................................15
IV. Budget Effects of the Bill.......................................16
A. Committee Estimate of Budgetary Effects............... 16
B. Statement Regarding New Budget Authority and Tax
Expenditures......................................... 16
C. Cost Estimate Prepared by the Congressional Budget
Office............................................... 16
V. Other Matters Required To Be Discussed Under the Rules of the Hou18
A. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations...... 18
B. Summary of Findings and Recommendations of the
Government Reform and Oversight Committee............ 18
C. Constitutional Authority Statement.................... 18
VI. Applicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act..............18
The amendment is as follows:
Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert in lieu
thereof the following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Dialogue on Social Security
Act of 1998''.
TITLE I--NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON SOCIAL SECURITY
SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL DIALOGUE.
As soon as practicable after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the
Majority Leader of the Senate shall jointly convene a National Dialogue
on the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title
II of the Social Security Act. The purpose of the National Dialogue
shall be to engage, by means of regional conferences and national
Internet exchanges, the American public in understanding the current
program, the problems it faces, and the need to find solutions that
will be workable for all generations and to generate comments,
suggestions, and recommendations from the citizens for social security
reform.
SEC. 102. FACILITATORS.
The National Dialogue conducted pursuant to section 101 shall operate
under the administration and coordination of two Facilitators, one of
whom shall be appointed by the President, in consultation with the
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and the Minority Leader
of the Senate, and one of whom shall be appointed jointly by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the
Senate. The Facilitators shall be appointed within 30 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act. The Facilitators shall be appointed
from among individuals known for their integrity, impartiality, and
good judgment, who are, by reason of their education, experience, and
attainments, exceptionally qualified to perform the duties of such
office. The Facilitators may serve until termination of the National
Dialogue under section 108.
SEC. 103. PLANS FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUE.
After consultation with the President, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives,
the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the
Senate, the Facilitators shall transmit the final plans for the
development and operations of the National Dialogue to the President
and each House of the Congress not later than 60 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 104. DIALOGUE COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment and Duties.--There is established a Dialogue
Council. It shall be the duty of the Dialogue Council to advise the
Facilitators in the development and operations of the National
Dialogue.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Dialogue Council shall be composed of 36
of the individuals nominated pursuant to paragraph (2), of
whom--
(A) 9 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House
of Representatives,
(B) 4 shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of
the House of Representatives,
(C) 9 shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of
the Senate,
(D) 4 shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of
the Senate, and
(E) 10 shall be appointed by the President.
To the extent practicable, the members shall include both men
and women and shall be selected so as to ensure that
individuals born before 1946, individuals born in or after 1946
and before 1961, and individuals born in or after 1961 are
equally represented within the membership.
(2) Nominations.--Individuals shall be appointed under
paragraph (1) from a group of 50 individuals, consisting of
individuals nominated in sets of 2 each, respectively, by each
of the following 25 private organizations:
(A) American Association of Retired Persons;
(B) United Seniors Association;
(C) American Federation of Labor and Congress of
Industrial Organizations;
(D) The National Hispanic Council on Aging;
(E) The Older Women's League;
(F) Association of Private Pension and Welfare Plans;
(G) Cato Institute;
(H) Employee Benefit Research Institute;
(I) Americans Discuss Social Security;
(J) Third Millennium;
(K) The U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce;
(L) Americans for Hope, Growth, and Opportunity;
(M) National Federation of Independent Businesses;
(N) The Concord Coalition;
(O) National Caucus and Center on Black Aged;
(P) Campaign for America's Future;
(Q) The Heritage Foundation;
(R) The Brookings Institution;
(S) The 2030 Center;
(T) National Council of Senior Citizens;
(U) Center on Budget and Policy Priorities;
(V) National Committee to Preserve Social Security
and Medicare;
(W) United States Chamber of Commerce;
(X) Pension Rights Center; and
(Y) Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.
(c) Administration.--The Dialogue Council shall meet at the call of
the Facilitators. The Dialogue Council shall be subject to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act. Members of the Council shall receive no pay,
allowances, or benefits by reason of their service on the Council
(other than any private funding of costs pursuant to section 105).
(d) Termination.--The Dialogue Council shall terminate upon the
termination of the National Dialogue under section 108.
SEC. 105. PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS.
The National Dialogue conducted pursuant to section 101 shall operate
by means of sponsorship by private, nonpartisan organizations of
conferences which shall be convened in localities across the Nation,
which shall be geographically representative of the Nation as a whole,
and which shall provide for participation which is representative of
all age groups in the population. The Facilitators shall encourage and
coordinate the sponsorship by such organizations of the National
Dialogue and shall ensure that all costs relating to the functions of
the Facilitators and the Dialogue Council under sections 104 and 107
and not referred to in section 109 are borne by such organizations or,
as appropriate, by other private contributions. The source and amounts
of contributions made pursuant to this section shall be made available
to the public.
SEC. 106. CONSTITUENCY INPUT.
(a) In General.--In order to assure that the widest possible degree
of opinion is received by Members of Congress regarding the future of
the old-age, survivors, and disability insurance program under title II
of the Social Security Act, each Member shall, to the extent
practicable, and as soon as possible after the date of the enactment of
this Act, develop with grassroots organizations and other constituency
groups within the Member's district ongoing systems of communication
through the use of the Internet and other available electronic
capabilities. Such groups shall include, but not be limited to, key
opinion leaders, journalists, business representatives, union members,
and students of all age groups.
(b) Internet Dialogue Coordination.--
(1) Internet dialogue coordinator.--The Facilitators shall
appoint an Internet Dialogue Coordinator who shall assist
Members of Congress in establishing systems of communication as
required under subsection (a). In carrying out the
Coordinator's duties, the Coordinator shall--
(A) establish a national dialogue web site,
(B) assist Members' offices in establishing
connections to the national dialogue web site,
moderated chat rooms, and threaded newsgroups,
(C) assist Members in coordinating a national
electronic town hall meeting on the future of social
security,
(D) advise Members regarding the most effective
technological means for reaching out to constituent
groups for purposes of this section, and
(E) work with other Internet-oriented groups to
broaden the reach of Internet capability for purposes
of this section.
(2) Internet advisory board.--
(A) Establishment.--There is established an Internet
Advisory Board. It shall be the duty of the Board to
advise the Internet Dialogue Coordinator in the most
appropriate and effective means of employing the
Internet under this section.
(B) Membership.--The Board shall consist of 3 members
appointed by the Facilitators from among individuals
recognized for their expertise relating to the
Internet.
(C) Administration.--The Board shall meet at the call
of the Internet Dialogue Coordinator. The Board shall
be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Members of the Board shall receive no pay, allowances,
or benefits by reason of their service on the Board,
except that any member of the Board who is not
otherwise an officer or employee of the Federal
Government shall receive travel expenses and per diem
in lieu of subsistence in accordance with sections 5702
and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Reports.--The Internet Dialogue Coordinator shall periodically
report in writing to the Facilitators the results of the systems of
communication established pursuant to this section.
(d) Termination.--The provisions of this section shall terminate upon
the termination of the National Dialogue under section 108.
SEC. 107. REPORTS.
From time to time during the National Dialogue, the Facilitators
shall catalog, summarize, and submit in writing to the Bipartisan Panel
to Design Long-Range Social Security Reform the comments, suggestions,
and recommendations generated by the participants in conferences
conducted and constituent input received from Members' offices under
the National Dialogue.
SEC. 108. TERMINATION.
The National Dialogue conducted pursuant to section 101 shall
terminate January 1, 1999.
SEC. 109. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated, from amounts otherwise
available in the general fund of the Treasury, such sums as are
necessary to provide for the compensation of the Facilitators and to
carry out the provisions of section 106.
TITLE II--BIPARTISAN PANEL TO DESIGN LONG-RANGE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM
SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF PANEL.
There is established a panel to be known as the Bipartisan Panel to
Design Long-Range Social Security Reform (in this title referred to as
the ``Panel'').
SEC. 202. DUTIES OF PANEL.
The Panel shall design a single set of legislative and
administrative recommendations for long-range reforms for restoring the
solvency of the social security system and maintaining retirement
income security in the United States.
SEC. 203. MEMBERSHIP OF THE PANEL.
(a) Number and Appointment.--The Panel shall be composed of eight
members, of whom--
(1) four shall be appointed jointly by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives and the Majority Leader of the Senate,
(2) two shall be appointed by the President, and
(3) two shall be appointed jointly by the Minority Leader of
the House of Representatives and the Minority Leader of the
Senate.
The members of the Panel shall consist of individuals who are of
recognized standing and distinction, who can represent the multiple
generations who have a stake in the viability of the system, and who
possess a demonstrated capacity to discharge the duties imposed on the
Panel. At least one of the members shall be appointed from individuals
representing the interests of employees, and at least one of the
members shall be appointed from individuals representing the interests
of employers.
(b) Co-Chairs.--The officials referred to in paragraphs (1) through
(3) of subsection (a) shall designate two of the members of the Panel
to serve as Co-Chairs of the Panel, who shall jointly chair the Panel,
determine its duties, and supervise its staff.
(c) Terms of Appointment.--The members of the Panel shall serve for
the life of the Panel.
(d) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Panel shall not affect the power of
the remaining members to execute the duties of the Panel, but any such
vacancy shall be filled in the same manner in which the original
appointment was made.
SEC. 204. PROCEDURES.
(a) Meetings.--The Panel shall meet at the call of its Co-Chairs or a
majority of its members.
(b) Quorum.--A quorum shall consist of 5 members of the Panel, except
that a lesser number may conduct a hearing under subsection (c).
(c) Hearings and Other Activities.--For the purpose of carrying out
its duties, the Panel may hold such hearings and undertake such other
activities as the Panel determines to be necessary to carry out its
duties. Meetings held by the Panel shall be conducted in accordance
with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
(d) Obtaining Information.--Upon request of the Panel, the
Commissioner of Social Security and the head of any other agency or
instrumentality of the Federal Government shall furnish information
deemed necessary by the Panel to enable it to carry out its duties.
SEC. 205. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Compensation.--Except as provided in subsection (b), members of
the Panel shall receive no additional pay, allowances, or benefits by
reason of their service on the Panel.
(b) Travel Expenses and per Diem.--Each member of the Panel who is
not a present Member of the Congress and who is not otherwise an
officer or employee of the Federal Government shall receive travel
expenses and per diem in lieu of subsistence in accordance with
sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Staff and Support Services.--
(1) Staff director.--
(A) Appointment.--The Panel shall appoint a staff
director of the Panel.
(B) Compensation.--The staff director shall be paid
at a rate not to exceed the rate established for level
III of the Executive Schedule.
(2) Staff.--The Panel shall appoint such additional personnel
as the Panel determines to be necessary.
(3) Applicability of civil service laws.--The staff director
and other members of the staff of the Panel shall be appointed
without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States
Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and
shall be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51
and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to
classification and General Schedule pay rates.
(4) Experts and consultants.--With the approval of the Panel,
the staff director may procure temporary and intermittent
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
(d) Contract Authority.--The Panel may contract with and compensate
government and private agencies or persons for items and services,
without regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5).
(e) Physical Facilities.--The Architect of the Capitol, in
consultation with the appropriate entities in the legislative branch,
shall locate and provide suitable office space for the operation of the
Panel on a reimbursable basis. The facilities shall serve as the
headquarters of the Panel and shall include all necessary equipment and
incidentals required for the proper functioning of the Panel.
(f) Detail of Federal Employees.--Upon the request of the Panel, the
head of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of
the personnel of such agency to the Panel to assist the Panel in
carrying out its duties.
(g) Use of Mails.--The Panel may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as Federal agencies and
shall, for purposes of the frank, be considered a commission of
Congress as described in section 3215 of title 39, United States Code.
(h) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the Panel,
the Architect of the Capitol shall provide to the Panel on a
reimbursable basis such administrative support services as the Panel
may request.
(i) Printing.--For purposes of costs relating to printing and
binding, including the cost of personnel detailed from the Government
Printing Office, the Panel shall be deemed to be a committee of the
Congress.
SEC. 206. REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than February 1, 1999, the Panel shall
submit to the President, the Committee on Ways and Means of the House
of Representatives, and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report
which shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and
conclusions of the Panel, including the set of recommendations required
under section 202. The report shall include only those recommendations
of the Panel that receive the approval of at least 6 members of the
Panel, including both Co-Chairs.
(b) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that,
pending the report of the Panel under subsection (a), the Federal
unified budget surplus should be dedicated to reducing the Federal debt
held by the public, increasing the retirement income security of
individuals and insuring the solvency of the social security system.
SEC. 207. TERMINATION.
The Panel shall terminate March 31, 1999.
SEC. 208. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated from the Federal Old-Age and
Survivors Insurance Trust Fund such sums as are necessary to carry out
the purposes of this title, but not to exceed $2,000,000.
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose and Summary
The ``National Dialogue on Social Security Act of 1998''
(H.R. 3546) is designed to advance needed discussion and
deliberation in order to pass legislation to restore the long-
term solvency of Social Security.
The bill contains two titles. Title I would establish a
National Dialogue on Social Security. The purpose of the
National Dialogue is to engage the American public, through
regional conferences, and national Internet exchanges, in
understanding the current program, the problems it faces, and
the need to find solutions that will be workable for all
generations. Title II would create a bipartisan panel to design
a single package of long-range Social Security reforms for
restoring the solvency of the Social Security system and
maintaining retirement income security.
B. Background and Need for Legislation
Social Security has assisted several generations of
Americans, strengthening families, diminishing poverty and
increasing opportunity. Yet unless action is taken, future
generations of Americans will inherit a Social Security system
so financially troubled that it cannot pay the benefits those
taxpayers supported through their working years.
Policy discussions on Social Security reform evoke strong
feelings due to Social Security's significant role in every
American's financial matters. Therefore, the issues regarding
long-term reform must be handled in a thoughtful and non-
partisan forum. Due to the extreme complexity and sensitivity
of long term reform, a group impaneled to bring recommendations
to Congress is necessary to ensure the success of enacting
comprehensive reform.
C. Legislative History
On April 1, 1998, the Committee on Ways and Means held a
hearing on the merits of establishing a bipartisan panel of
experts to design long-range Social Security reform and to
determine how best to engage the American public in the
process. The Committee received the views of current and former
Members of Congress, Social Security experts, and various
stakeholder organizations.
On April 22, 1998, the full Committee ordered favorably
reported, H.R. 3546, the ``National Dialogue on Social Security
Act of 1998,'' by voice vote with a quorum present.
II. EXPLANATION OF PROVISIONS
A. Section 1. Short Title
This act may be cited as the ``National Dialogue on Social
Security Act of 1998.''
B. Title I: National Dialogue on Social Security
1. section 101: establishment of national dialogue
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
A National Dialogue on Social Security would be convened
jointly by the President, the Speaker, and the Senate Majority
Leader. The purpose of the National Dialogue would be to engage
the American public, through regional conferences, and national
Internet exchanges, in understanding the current program, the
problems it faces, and the need to find solutions that would be
workable for all generations.
Reason for Change
The Dialogue is established by the leaders of the Congress
and the President who directly impact its design and
implementation. The policy changes made to the Social Security
system will effect all Americans for decades to come. The
Dialogue is designed to reach the broadest audience using the
most efficient communication methods. It is the hope that every
citizen will therefore have the opportunity to learn and
comment constructively on issues regarding Social Security
solvency.
Effective Date
Date of enactment
2. section 102: facilitators
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
The Dialogue would be coordinated through two Facilitators
(one appointed by the President in consultation with the
Minority Leaders of the House and Senate, and one appointed
jointly by the Speaker and Senate Majority Leader), who would
be appointed within 30 days of enactment. The Facilitators
would be appointed from individuals known for their integrity,
impartiality, and good judgement. By reason of their education,
experience, and attainments they would be qualified to perform
the duties of Facilitator.
Reason for Change
The Facilitators would be selected by both the
Congressional Leadership and the President to assure a
bipartisan approach. The Committee views the use of two expert
Facilitators as the most expedient way to deploy a coherent and
timely strategy for a National Dialogue and move the process
forward as timely as possible.
Effective Date
The Facilitators would be appointed within 30 days after
the date of enactment.
3. section 103: plans for national dialogue
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
After consultation with the President and Congress, final
plans for the development and operations of the National
Dialogue would be submitted to the President and the Congress
no later than 60 days after the date of enactment.
Reason for Change
The President and Congressional Leadership will oversee the
strategic planning of the National Dialogue to ensure a
bipartisan approach. The plan must be submitted within 60 days
to ensure that the Dialogue begins as quickly as possible.
Effective Date
The plan for the National Dialogue must be submitted to the
President and the Congress no later than 60 days after the date
of enactment.
4. section 104: dialogue council
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
A Dialogue Council would be established to advise the
Facilitators in the development and operations of the National
Dialogue. The Dialogue Council would be composed of 36 members,
9 of whom would be appointed by the Speaker, 4 by the Minority
Leader of the House, 9 by the Majority Leader of the Senate, 4
by the Minority Leader of the Senate, and 10 by the President.
Members of the Dialogue Council would include both men and
women and would be selected to ensure that 12 members were born
before 1946, 12 members were born in or after 1946 and before
1961, and 12 members were born in or after 1961.
Those who are appointed would be selected from a group of
50 individuals--consisting of 2 individuals nominated by each
of the following 25 organizations; American Association of
Retired Persons, United Seniors Association, American
Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations,
The National Hispanic Council on Aging, The Older Women's
League, Association of Private Pension and Welfare Plans, Cato
Institute, Employee Benefit Research Institute, Americans
Discuss Social Security, Third Millennium, The U.S. Junior
Chamber of Commerce, Americans for Hope, Growth, and
Opportunity, National Federation of Independent Businesses, The
Concord Coalition, National Caucus and Center on Black Aged,
Campaign for America's Future, The Heritage Foundation, The
Brookings Institution, The 2030 Center, National Council of
Senior Citizens, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities,
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare,
United States Chamber of Commerce, Pension Rights Center, and
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities.
The Dialogue Council would meet at the call of the
Facilitators. Members would receive no pay for their services.
Reason for Change
The Dialogue Council would be created to advise the
Facilitators during their strategic planning for the National
Dialogue. With representatives from the numerous constituencies
and stakeholders in Social Security reform, the individuals
nominated by these groups to be appointees to the Council would
bring perspectives inclusive of all interested parties and
would prevent one group or philosophy from dominating the
Council.
Effective Date
Date of enactment
5. section 105: private sponsorship and other requirements
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
The National Dialogue would operate by means of sponsorship
by private, nonpartisan organizations of conferences. These
conferences would be convened in localities which are
geographically representative of the Nation as a whole, and
would provide that participants represent all age groups.
Reason for Change
Private sponsorship would minimize taxpayer cost and
potentially give the Council access to the most technologically
advanced communications sources. The source and amounts of
contributions made would be made available to the public.
Effective Date
Date of enactment
6. section 106: constituency input
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
In order to assure that the widest possible degree of
opinion would be received, to the extent practicable and as
soon as possible after the date of enactment, each Member of
Congress would develop ongoing systems of communications
through the use of the Internet and other available electronic
capabilities. These systems would be developed with grassroots
organizations and other constituency groups within Members'
districts. Such groups would include, but not be limited to,
key opinion leaders, journalists, business representatives,
union members, and students of all age groups.
The Facilitators would appoint an Internet Dialogue
Coordinator to assist Members in establishing systems of
communication in their districts. The Coordinator would: (1)
establish a National Dialogue web site, (2) assist Members'
offices in establishing: connections to the National Dialogue
web site, moderated chat rooms, and threaded news groups; (3)
assist Members in coordinating a national electronic town hall
meeting on the future of Social Security; (4) advise Members
regarding the most effective technological means for reaching
out to constituent groups; and (5) work with other Internet-
oriented groups to broaden the reach of Internet capability.
An Internet Advisory Board would be established to advise
the Internet Dialogue Coordinator in the most appropriate and
effective means of employing the Internet. The Board would
consist of three members, appointed by the Facilitators. Board
members would receive no pay, but would be reimbursed for
travel expenses. The Board would meet at the call of the
Internet Dialogue Coordinator.
The Internet Dialogue Coordinator would periodically report
to the Facilitators the systems of communications results.
Reason for Change
Effective use of the Internet allowing more people than
ever before to communicate with each other offers unprecedented
opportunities for real learning and exchange of ideas. In
addition, with computers available in libraries and other
public forums, individuals who might not otherwise engage in
the National Dialogue may be able to do so. Internet use
establishes a contact not only with a younger group of
Americans but those who find the ease and efficiency of
computer use an incentive to become involved in the policy
discussion.
Effective Date
Date of enactment
7. Section 107: Reports
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
The National Dialogue Facilitators would summarize their
findings and submit them to the Bipartisan Panel to Design
Long-Range Social Security Reform on an ongoing basis, based on
information generated by participants in conferences conducted
and constituent input received from Members' offices.
Reason for Change
The Committee intends that the Bipartisan Panel, to the
degree possible, receive and consider the information and data
obtained through the National Dialogue.
Effective Date
Date of enactment.
8. Section 108: Termination
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
The Dialogue would terminate January 1, 1999.
Reason for Change
To be a complimentary tool for the Bipartisan Panel's
recommendations, a time limit is established prior to the
Panel's final report so that research and other information
from the Council is made available in a timely manner to the
Panel for their consideration.
Effective Date
Date of enactment.
9. Section 109: Authorization of Appropriation
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
Such sums as may be necessary would be authorized to be
appropriated for the compensation of the Facilitators and the
activities related to the Internet Dialogue.
Reason for Change
The funding authorized is necessary to compensate the
Facilitators and to provide for the Internet Dialogue
activities in order that it can move as quickly and
expeditiously as possible.
Effective Date
Date of enactment.
C. Title II: Bipartisan Panel To Design Long-Range Social Security
Reform
1. Section 201: Establishment of Panel
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
Establish a panel to be known as the Bipartisan Panel to
Design Long-Range Social Security Reform (in this title
referred to as the ``Panel'').
Reason for Change
The Panel is created to design a single set of
recommendations to ensure the future solvency of Social
Security. This will enable the Congress to quickly consider
long-term policy in a non-partisan manner and increase the
likelihood that urgently needed reform will be enacted in the
next legislative session.
Effective Date
Date of enactment.
2. Section 202: Duties of Panel
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
It would be the duty of the Panel to design a single
package of long-range Social Security reforms for restoring the
solvency of the Social Security system and maintaining
retirement income security.
Reason for Change
The Panel is tasked to agree upon a single package of
reforms so as to present to Congress with a viable policy
devoid of one dominate political party or ideology.
Effective Date
Date of enactment.
3. Section 203: Membership of the Panel
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
The Panel would be composed of eight members; with four
appointed jointly by the Speaker of the House and the Majority
Leader of the Senate, two appointed by the President, two
appointed jointly by the Minority Leader of the Senate and the
Minority Leader of the House. These officials would designate
two members of the Panel to serve as Co-Chairs.
The members of the Panel would consist of individuals of
recognized standing and distinction, who can represent the
multiple generations with a stake in the viability of the
system, and who possess a demonstrated capacity to discharge
the duties imposed on the Panel. At least one of the members
would be appointed from individuals representing the interests
of employees, and at least one of the members would be
appointed from individuals representing the interests of
employers.
It would be the role of the Co-Chairs to provide leadership
to the Panel and to determine the duties of and oversee the
Panel staff.
A vacancy in the Panel would not affect its powers, but
would be filled in the same manner as the original members of
the Panel.
Reason for Change
The Panel is designed to be small, bipartisan, and to
represent the interests of the multiple generations who have a
stake in the future of Social Security. The composition of the
Panel is designed to allow an efficient yet balanced
consideration of views, policies and recommendations.
Effective Date
Date of enactment.
4. Section 204: Procedures
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
The Panel would meet at the call of its Co-Chairs or a
majority of its members. A majority of the members would
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may conduct hearings.
The Panel may hold hearings and undertake other activities as
necessary to carry out their duties. Meetings held by the Panel
would be conducted in accordance with the Federal Advisory
Committee Act.
The Commissioner of Social Security and head of any other
Federal agency would make such data and information necessary
to the Panel available to enable it to carry out its duties.
Reason for Change
The Panel's administrative procedures are designed to
facilitate their holding of hearings and obtaining data
necessary for their deliberations.
Effective Date
Date of enactment.
5. Section 205: Administration
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
Members of the Panel would serve without compensation,
except that members of the Panel who are private citizens of
the United States would be reimbursed for travel, subsistence,
and other necessary expenses incurred in the performance of
their duties as members of the Panel.
The Panel would, without regard to the provisions of title
5, United States Code, relating to the competitive service,
appoint a Staff Director who would be paid at a rate not to
exceed the rate established for level III of the Executive
Schedule.
In addition to the Staff Director, the Panel would appoint
such additional personnel as the Panel determines to be
necessary and may compensate such additional personnel without
regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code,
relating to competitive service.
The Panel would incur other additional expenses, including,
if necessary, contractual expenses as may be necessary to carry
out its duties.
The Architect of the Capitol, in consultation with the
appropriate entities in the legislative branch, would locate
and provide suitable office space, necessary equipment, and
such administrative support services as the Panel may request
on a reimbursable basis. Upon request of the Panel, Federal
agencies may detail personnel to assist the Panel. The Panel
may use the U.S. mails in the same manner as Federal agencies.
Reason for Change
The statute provides for standard administrative procedures
for both public and private members of the Panel and staff
operating as government employees utilizing public resources.
The Architect of the Capitol is given the responsibility of
providing office space and thereby ensuring that Members will
have access to the Panel's offices.
Effective Date
Date of enactment.
6. Section 206: Report
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
The Panel would make its report to the President, the
Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways and
Means no later than February 1, 1999. The report would include
only those recommendations that receive the approval of at
least six members of the Panel, including both Co-Chairs. It
would be the sense of the Congress that, pending the report of
the Panel, the Federal unified budget surplus should be
dedicated to reducing the Federal debt held by the public,
increasing the retirement income security of individuals and
insuring the solvency of the Social Security system.
Reason for Change
The Panel is to report soon after the organization of the
106th Congress so that debate on the issue of Social Security
reform can begin immediately and coincide with any
recommendations or budget submissions from the President
regarding Social Security.
It would be the Sense of the Congress that until the report
of the Panel is made the budget surplus should be dedicated to
reducing Federal debt, increasing the retirement income
security of individuals and insuring the solvency of the Social
Security system.
Effective Date
Date of enactment
7. Section 207: Termination
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
The Panel would terminate March 31, 1999.
Reason for Change
After the Panel reports its recommendations, a brief period
is provided before the Panel's termination so that members of
the Panel are available in their official capacity to brief
other Congressional groups or testify in any hearings on the
subject of long-term reform.
Effective Date
Date of enactment
8. Section 208: Authorization of Appropriations
Present Law
No provision.
Explanation of Provision
Funds, not to exceed $2 million, would be authorized to be
appropriated from the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust
Fund to carry out the purposes of this title.
Reason for Change
The funding is consistent with current Social Security law
that provides for all administrative costs to be borne by the
Social Security Trust Funds.
Effective Date
Date of enactment
III. VOTE OF THE COMMITTEE
In compliance with clause 2(l)(2)(B) of rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, the following statement
is made:
The bill, H.R. 3546 was ordered favorably reported to the
House of Representatives April 22, 1998 by voice vote, with a
quorum present.
IV. BUDGET EFFECTS OF THE BILL
A. Committee Estimate of Budgetary Effects
In compliance with clause 7(a) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, the following statement is made:
The Committee agrees with the estimate prepared by the
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) which is included below.
B. Statement Regarding New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures
In compliance with clause 2(l)(3)(B) of rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee states the
Committee bill results in no change in budget authority for
direct spending programs relative to current law, and no new or
increased tax expenditures.
C. Cost Estimate Prepared by the Congressional Budget Office
In compliance with clause 2(l)(3)(C) of rule XI of the
House of Representatives requiring a cost estimate prepared by
the Congressional Budget Office, the following report prepared
by CBO is provided:
U.S. Congress,
Congressional Budget Office,
Washington, DC, April 23, 1998.
Hon. Bill Archer,
Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 3546, the National
Dialogue on Social Security Act of 1998.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Kathy
Ruffing.
Sincerely,
June E. O'Neill, Director.
Enclosure.
H.R. 3546--National Dialogue on Social Security Act of 1998
Summary: H.R. 3546 would set up an eight-member panel to
make recommendations by February 1999 on possible reforms to
the Social Security program. The panel would draw on opinions
solicited through regional conferences and through the
Internet, in an exercise labeled the ``National Dialogue.''
H.R. 3546 would authorize the appropriation of an estimated
$2 million for these activities. It would also permit the
dialogue to finance its activities partly through voluntary
donations. Therefore, the bill could affect direct spending and
receipts, and pay-as-you-go procedures would apply. CBO
estimates that any pay-as-you-go impact would be insignificant.
H.R. 3546 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(UMRA).
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 3546 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function
650 (Social Security). The small cost (estimated at less than
$500,000) of the National Dialogue would be appropriated from
the general fund of the Treasury and would be on-budget; the $2
million cost of the Bipartisan Panel would be charged to the
Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which is off-
budget.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal years, in millions of dollars--
-----------------------------------------------------
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS
National Dialogue:
Estimated Authorization Level......................... 0 (\1\) 0 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays..................................... 0 (\1\) 0 0 0 0
Bipartisan Panel:
Estimated Authorization Level......................... 0 2 0 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays..................................... 0 2 0 0 0 0
DIRECT SPENDING
National Dialogue:
Estimated Budget Authority............................ 0 (\1\) 0 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays..................................... 0 (\1\) 0 0 0 0
REVENUES
National Dialogue:
Estimated Revenues.................................... 0 (\1\) 0 0 0 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Less than $500,000.
Basis of Estimate: CBO's estimate assumes that the bill
would be enacted in September 1998.
H.R. 3546 would establish a National Dialogue on Social
Security. That dialogue would use the services of two
facilitators appointed by the Congress and the President, 36
members of a Dialogue Council to be nominated by private
organizations, an Internet Dialogue Coordinator, and an
Internet Advisory Board. Citizens' opinions would be solicited
in regional conferences and through the Internet. Only the two
facilitators and the Internet Dialogue Coordinator would be
paid; private contributions to cover other costs would be
encouraged. Any such contributions would be considered
governmental receipts. The comments and suggestions received
would be summarized for use by the Bipartisan Panel by January
1999. H.R. 3546 would authorize the appropriation of such sums
as shall be necessary for the dialogue; because the dialogue
would use only a few paid staff and would finish its work in a
short time, CBO estimates that appropriation would total less
than $500,000.
The Bipartisan Panel to Design Long-Range Social Security
Reform would consist of eight members, appointed by the
Majority and Minority Leaders in the Congress and by the
President. The panel would report its recommendations by
February 1, 1999. It would be authorized (subject to future
appropriation) to spend up to $2 million on professional staff
and other expenses.
Pay-as-you-go-considerations: The Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 establishes pay-as-you-go
procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or
receipts. Because the National Dialogue on Social Security
would be encouraged to cover some costs from private donations,
the bill could affect direct spending and receipts. CBO judges,
however, that those effects would be negligible.
Estimated impact on State, local, and tribal governments:
H.R. 3546 contains no intergovernmental mandates as defined in
UMRA and would have no impact on the budgets of state, local,
or tribal governments.
Estimated impact on the private sector: H.R. 3546 contains
no private-sector mandates as defined in UMRA.
Estimated prepared by: Federal Cost: Kathy Ruffing; Impact
on State, Local, and Tribal Governments: Leo Lex; and Impact on
the Private Sector: Ralph Smith.
Estimate approved by: Robert A. Sunshine; Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
V. OTHER MATTERS REQUIRED TO BE DISCUSSED UNDER THE RULES OF THE HOUSE
A. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
In compliance with clause 2(l)(3)(A) of rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee reports
that the need for this legislation was confirmed through its
ongoing oversight of the Social Security Administration and the
Social Security programs.
B. Summary of Findings and Recommendations of the Government Reform and
Oversight Committee
In compliance with clause 2(l)(3)(D) of rule XI of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, the Committee states
that no oversight findings and recommendations have been
submitted to this Committee by the Committee on Government
Reform and Oversight with respect to the provisions contained
in this bill.
C. Constitutional Authority Statement
With respect to clause 2(l)(4) of the rule XI of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, relating to Constitutional
Authority, the Committee states that the Committee's action in
reporting the bill is derived from Article I of the
Constitution, Section 8 (``The Congress shall have power to lay
and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the
debts and to provide for * * * the general welfare of the
United States * * *'').
VI. APPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C.,
App., section 5(b)), the Committee states that any advisory
bodies created by the bill, such as the Dialogue Council,
Internet Advisory Board, and Bipartisan Panel to Design Long-
Range Social Security Reform are consciously created, and are
deemed appropriate and necessary to carry out the purposes of
the bill. It is the view of the Committee that the functions of
any such advisory bodies are not being and could be performed
by one or more agencies or by an advisory committee already in
existence, or by enlarging the mandate of an existing advisory
committee.