Asa Hutchinson: “a part of that editorial says this: The chances of Social Security checks being sequestered fall into the same range of…”

“a part of that editorial says this: The chances of Social Security checks being sequestered fall into the same range of probability as the Loch Ness monster posing for photographs. Both possibilities are great for scaring folks, but for little else. I believe that is very, very true. Again, nothing could be a more risky gimmick to be put onto the balanced budget amendment than to exclude Social Security from the provisions of the amendment. It is attempting to replace the truth with fear. The plain truth is that the President does not have the power to withhold appropriations, such as Social Security. Only Congress can give him that power. It is our responsibility to appropriate the funds necessary to carry out the domestic and the foreign policy programs of this Nation. In reality, the balanced budget amendment will ensure that money is there to spend. Today, annual deficits and the national debt are the greatest threat to Social Security's existence. If we talk about the threat to the future of Social Security, let us not forget that the greatest threat is continued chronic deficits and an unwillingness or a lack of discipline and a lack of will on the part of the politicians of this country to bring our books into balance.”