Sheldon Whitehouse

These are the two competing visions. In one, we increase inequality and do less to make America a good place to work and retire.

Today's proposal would raise more from the very wealthiest, keep benefits intact, and shore up Social Security and Medicare for the next 75 years.

Social Security is the bedrock of retirement security, and the nation's most effective anti-poverty program.

These risks to our economy are deadly serious.

We also believe that there ought to be some fairness.

I think that would be the logical next step.

I've spent enough time in the Senate to think that freewheeling chat among Senators is rarely productive.

So income inequality has a pernicious effect on Social Security solvency unless we take steps to address both income inequality and Social Security solvency, which I contend my bill would do.

The only ways to ensure Social Security remains solvent is to either raise revenue, or cut benefits

Today's proposal would raise more from the very wealthiest, keep benefits intact, and shore up Social Security and Medicare for the next 75 years.

If we are going to have a conversation of some kind that is not going to happen unless we have a Republican proposal to work with, something that is distinct and clear and in writing.

President Biden made a proposal, which is that we solve the Social Security problem without benefit cuts.

Those making more than $400,000.00 in investment income would contribute just like those who are earning wages.

We also believe that there ought to be some fairness.

We certainly hope that the bipartisan expression at the State of Union, that Social Security cuts should be off the table was not just theater, but was actual truth.

These are the two competing visions. In one, we increase inequality and do less to make America a good place to work and retire.

Social Security has been a major triumph of American policy.

These reforms raise enough revenue to make Social Security solvent indefinitely.

My Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act would fix that by requiring contributions to Social Security on wages above $400,000.00.

Social Security is the bedrock of retirement security, and the nation's most effective anti-poverty program.

You cannot have a serious conversation about our nation's fiscal situation if you only focus on non-defense, discretionary spending.

Senator Kaine is a very able lawyer and one of the key features or subtopics, if you will, of this hearing has been the problem of conflicts of interests.

We ought to be able to determine wherever we are--everyday people, journalists, elected official, expert, whether there's a conflict of interest.

Those who are willing to say let it all be transparent are not trying to silence anyone.

The American public overwhelming supports the Disclose Act.