Political Quotes

“I rise to announce my position on the cloture petition on the so-called Social Security lockbox legislation before the Senate. First, let me say that I am disappointed with our Republican colleagues for making this a political issue. The fact of the matter is that both Democrats and Republicans in this body believe that Social Security surpluses should be protected and, absent extraordinary circumstances, should be used to reduce the public debt. Budget resolutions sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans abided by that rule. In essence, then, the legislation presented to us today is designed as little more than a political show vote that will give a basis for claiming that Republicans alone are committed to protecting Social Security while Democrats are not. Nothing could be more disingenuous. Let me also say that we could use some truth-in-advertising around here. This is not even a true lockbox. There are significant exceptions included in this legislation. No. 1, the so-called lockbox allows for adjustment of its scriptures for emergency spending, with the likelihood that significant defense-related emergency spending will be enacted. As one individual commented, ``if we don't have an on-budget surplus to fund emergencies, then we adjust the debt limits to borrow from the Trust Fund.'' No. 2, it should also be pointed out that the debt limits can also be adjusted for whatever is deemed Social Security reform.”