On the recordFebruary 11, 2004
Mr. Speaker, in looking at what is right, it is right to protect beneficiaries from representative payees who would misuse these benefits. We all agree on that, whether you are from Texas, Georgia, California, or New York. It is right to deny Social Security benefits to fugitive felons and probation parole violators. We can all agree on that. It is right for this Congress to pass a bill that deters waste, fraud, and abuse. That is in this bill, and that is the right thing to do. It helps individuals with disabilities gain access to representation, and it encourages disabled beneficiaries to return to work. That is the right thing to do. Now we get to the hard question: Is it right to close a loophole that enables some teachers in Georgia and Texas to contribute just a few dollars to Social Security to receive nearly $100,000 in additional lifetime spousal benefits? I strongly believe this loophole should be closed.
Source
govinfo.gov
