[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 12 (Monday, March 27, 2000)]
[Page 614]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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this confusing and outdated policy that discourages healthy senior 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.