Political Quotes

“I rise today in support of S. 1560, the Social Security Administration Independence Act. In so doing, I would first like to acknowledge the efforts of the distinguished Senator from New York, and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Moynihan has been the patient sponsor of this legislation which has been approved, three times now, by the Finance Committee. His stewardship has brought this legislation to us today, and I am pleased to be able to provide my support. In 1980, the National Commission on Social Security recommended that the Social Security Administration should be restored to its original status as an independent agency. And in 1983, the National Commission on Social Security Reform made the same recommendation. In 1984, the Congressional Panel on Social Security Organization made recommendations for establishing an independent agency. Now, 10 years later, thanks in no small part to the dogged determination of the Senator from New York, those recommendations have reached fruition in the form of this legislation. The Social Security Administration has the second largest budget in the Federal Government. It keeps records on the earnings of 120 million American workers, and provides benefits to 42 million beneficiaries.”