    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 17 (Monday, May 3, 1999)]
    [Pages 714-715]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Congressional Inaction on Legislation To Strengthen Social
    Security

    April 23, 1999

        I am deeply disappointed by reports that the congressional
    Republican leadership has abandoned the effort to enact legislation this
    year to strengthen Social Security for the 21st century. We have an
    obligation to ensure that Social Security is safe and strong not only
    for today's seniors but for our children and future generations as well.
    The American people expect us to meet this fundamental challenge.
    Instead, just one week after passing a budget that promises a massive
    $800 billion tax cut, the Republican leadership is sending a message
    that Congress is either unable or unwilling to face up to the challenge
    of strengthening Social Security.
        That is not acceptable, and I urge the Republican leadership to
    reconsider its opposition to acting on Social Security this year. I have
    proposed concrete steps to bolster Social Security and offered time and
    again to work with the Congress in a bipartisan way to make the tough
    choices needed to secure the Trust Fund over the long term. Republican
    leaders have yet to consider my proposals or advance any of their own.
        Our economy is the strongest it has been in a generation. Now is the
    time to strengthen Social Security for the future. I remain committed to
    working with Members of Congress of both parties who are committed to
    enacting comprehensive Social Security legislation this year. We can and
    must accomplish this critical goal for the American people.

    [[Page 715]]