Rod Grams: “during the past few weeks, I have made a series of remarks on the Senate floor concerning Social Security. I discussed…”

“during the past few weeks, I have made a series of remarks on the Senate floor concerning Social Security. I discussed the history of Social Security, the program's looming crisis, the old-age insurance reform efforts taken by other nations, and the financial gender and race gaps created by the current Social Security system. Today, I will sum up the major points I have made so far and then move on to speak about possible solutions to Social Security's problems, and the principles of reform we must uphold as we move forward. The concept of ``social security'' originated in Europe in the 1880s. It was devised supposedly to correct the problems created by laissez faire capitalism, to avoid a Marxist-led revolution. Social Security was not an American experience. In fact, a very small group of intellectuals promoted and designed the Social Security program in this country. Congress hastily passed the Social Security Act less than seven months following its introduction in 1935. The public never got the chance to participate in the debate. At the time, many Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle raised serious questions about the program. Unfortunately, many of their prophecies have become reality today.”