Statement from Rep. Bernie Sanders on the 70th Anniversary of Social Security on August 14

Statement from Rep. Bernie Sanders on the 70th Anniversary of Social Security on August 14
8/12/2005

"America's Social Security system has been the most successful domestic federal program in our nation's history. During the last 70 years, whether the economy was strong or weak, whether the stock market was up or down, every eligible American received every nickel that he or she was entitled too. As recently as 1960, half our seniors were officially poor. Now, largely because of increases in Social Security, the number has dropped to only 10%.

Despite this extraordinary success, President Bush and his political allies are attempting to abolish Social Security as we know it and replace this critical program with a risky privatization scheme. Far from "saving" Social Security, the President's privatization plan will cut Social Security benefits by up to 40%, add trillions to our national debt, and result in an increase in poverty for seniors. I plan to honor Social Security's anniversary by renewing my commitment to fight the President's privatization plan. I will continue to do everything I can to protect this critically important program, which provides security and dignity not only for older Americans, but also for millions of others who are disabled and who receive survivors' benefits."

http://bernie.house.gov/statements/20050812173313.asp