Van Hollen Marks the 75th Anniversary of Social Security

Statement

Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Assistant to the Speaker, issued the following statement marking the 75th anniversary of the enactment of Social Security, which is tomorrow, August 14, 2010:

"On Saturday, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of Social Security -- a program that has kept millions of seniors out of poverty and allowed them to live their lives with dignity and independence. Social Security has helped Americans achieve the secure retirement they have earned, and the recent Medicare and Social Security Trustees report found that we can rely on Social Security to pay full benefits for at least another quarter-century. As we mark this important milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening this vital program and protecting it for future generations.

"But as we renew our promise to this economic lifeline for millions of senior citizens and those with disabilities, Washington Republicans are pushing for a risky plan that would funnel billions of dollars of America's Social Security retirement savings to Wall Street. The end result will be to undermine Social Security and put the financial security and stability of America's seniors at risk.

"Seniors cannot afford to have their retirement security gambled away on the volatile stock market. Democrats are committed to ensuring that Social Security continues to provide seniors with the same financial stability, reliability, and security it has for the past 75 years. We will continue to fight for working Americans instead of powerful corporate special interests."

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