    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 22, 2000]
    [Page 521]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Senate Action on Social Security Reform Legislation
    March 22, 2000

        I am pleased that the Senate has followed the House in passing a
    measure to eliminate the retirement earnings test for seniors. In my
    1999 State of the Union Address, I asked Congress to work with me to end
    this confusing and outdated policy that discourages healthy senior
    citizens from continuing to work past 65 if they choose to do so. I look
    forward to opening a new era of opportunity for older Americans by
    signing this measure into law.
        Eliminating the earnings limit is an important first step in
    undertaking comprehensive Social Security reform this year. The work on
    the retirement earnings test shows that Congress can work together to
    further the people's business. We should build on this bipartisan spirit
    to make further progress on Social Security. Last fall I sent Congress
    legislation that would use the benefits of debt reduction to extend the
    life of Social Security to the middle of the next century. Today I call
    on Congress to work with me on this simple plan to extend the solvency
    of Social Security while strengthening benefits to reduce poverty among
    elderly women.