Jim Ramstad: “I would like to dispel some of the misleading hyperbole the American people are being fed today. Americans are sick of…”

“I would like to dispel some of the misleading hyperbole the American people are being fed today. Americans are sick of political double talk. They want the truth--so here it is. This surplus we are talking about here today--do you know where it came from? It came from you--your hard earned pay checks, your savings accounts, your investments and even the deaths of your family members and friends. It's not the government's money--it's yours! You know what happens to your money when it gets to Washington? Well, for the last 40+ years, the Democratic majority spent it--spent well above it--and often wasted it. In fact, if it weren't for the Republican majority you elected, we wouldn't even be standing here today talking about a surplus or how to use the excess taxes you have sent us. You deserve some of your money back. And, yes, your money--$1.4 trillion--should also go toward preserving and protecting Social Security. Both can be done. Let me reassure you right now that under the bill before us today, fully 90% of your surplus goes into a ``Protect Social Security Account.'' Some $1.4 trillion of your money is set aside until we pass legislation to ensure the long term solvency of Social Security. And do you know what the impact on the Social Security Trust Fund will be from giving you back 10% of your money? None. Let me repeat that. None. The Social Security Trust Fund will not lose one dime by passing this legislation today and the tax bill tomorrow.”