Eva M. Clayton: “I support this bill as a Democrat; but I oppose the undemocratic process, spelled with a small ``d.'' I support it…”

“I support this bill as a Democrat; but I oppose the undemocratic process, spelled with a small ``d.'' I support it because it is much needed; however, I oppose the process by which this bill comes to the floor. It did not allow many of the minority issues to come to the floor. I support the bill because it really is an important bill. It added a lot of administrative provisions that are needed. It provides opportunity to assist loved ones manage their finances. It is an important bill that we all support. But making these important, but modest, improvements to administrative procedures for the Social Security program is not what the American people expect. They really expect more of the Members of Congress and the President to provide, indeed, a reform of Social Security. We can and we should do much more. In 2000, both Republican and Democratic candidates for the Presidency, as well as Members of the House and Senate, all said we were about strengthening Social Security; we would protect the Social Security trust fund; we would keep faith with our seniors and future generations.”