Bob Wise: “the Congress this year will undertake the most sweeping domestic legislation probably in 40 or 50 years and certainly…”

“the Congress this year will undertake the most sweeping domestic legislation probably in 40 or 50 years and certainly, in the case of Social Security, the most sweeping changes since Social Security was created in 1935. So I think there ought to be some basic premises here, particularly as we look at, of all things, a budget surplus, something no one ever expected to see. First, take 62 percent of that surplus and invest it in Social Security and in preserving Social Security. Preserve it for the 400,000 West Virginians that depend upon it. Second, take 15 percent of that budget surplus, totaling 77 percent now, and save Medicare, for which 300,000 West Virginians depend upon for their basic health care, those over 65 and those who are disabled. Third, take that surplus and pay down the national debt. Mr. Speaker, now this is a program that America can rally behind: 62 percent for Social Security to preserve it, 17 percent to preserve Medicare and, finally, paying down the national debt. Let us get moving.”