Jeb Hensarling: “I rise tonight to enter into a very important discussion that our President has kicked off for the Nation, and that has…”

“I rise tonight to enter into a very important discussion that our President has kicked off for the Nation, and that has to do with strengthening and saving Social Security. Social Security has historically been a vital program in the history of America, saving many seniors from poverty, giving them peace of mind and giving them greater security. Madam Speaker, this is far more important than just a congressional debate to me. It is something that is very personal. You see, my parents are in their seventies. Social Security is part of their retirement. And I am committed to ensure that the Social Security benefits that my parents have earned, that they keep. But, Madam Speaker, not only do I have a sacred obligation to my parents, I have a sacred obligation to my children as well. My children are in diapers. Their world consists of Barney and Big Bird. They do not know about Social Security, but if we do not take action now, Social Security as we know it will not be there for my children. We have a number of challenges in Social Security. We have the challenge of demographics. When Social Security was first created, there were over 40 workers supporting every one beneficiary. By 1950, we were down to 16 workers for every beneficiary. And today, Madam Speaker, just three workers for every beneficiary.”