Political Quotes

“today we are given a stark reminder of what is at stake in this debate about Social Security. Yesterday, United Airlines unloaded their pension plan for their 100,000-plus employees onto the taxpayer, resulting in benefits being cut up to 40 percent. Now, go ask those United Airlines' employees what they think of Social Security as part of their retirement. Earlier this year, US Airways unloaded their pension plan on the taxpayers, cutting benefits up to 50 percent. Go ask those U.S. Airways' employees what they think of Social Security. It may come as a shock to some, but the American people like the security that comes with Social Security. That is what this debate is about. For United Airlines' employees, U.S. Airways' employees, the steel industry before them and probably the auto industry coming next, Social Security is the linchpin to their retirement security. They reject the idea of doing to Social Security what just happened to their private plan, where they put their personal and employer-based savings. It is now on the roulette table, and benefits are being cut by 40 percent. The fact is, that is what this debate is, for two-thirds of seniors and 40 percent of widows rely on Social Security as their only retirement. Mr. Speaker, this debate is more than about the solvency of Social Security; it is about retirement security for every American. ____________________”