[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.

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