Political Quotes

“I thank Senator Simpson and Senator Kennedy for accepting this amendment providing for a prototype counterfeit-proof Social Security card. It was 18 years ago that I first proposed we produce a tamper-resistant Social Security card to reduce fraud and enhance public confidence in our Social Security system. The amendment accepted today is very simple. It would require the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to develop a prototype of a counterfeit-proof Social Security card. The prototype card would be designed with the security features necessary to be used reliably to confirm U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status. The amendment would also require the Commissioner to study and report to Congress on ways to improve the Social Security card application process so as to reduce fraud. An evaluation of cost and workload implications of issuing a counterfeit-resistant Social Security card is also required. Let me point out that Congress adopted this provision last year as part of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act (H.R. 4), the welfare legislation vetoed by the President. Senator Dole cosponsored the amendment, and it passed the Senate by a voice vote. The Senate also included it in its version of the budget reconciliation bill, but the provision was dropped in the conference committee.”