Alan Simpson: “because we recently shouldered the important matter of extending the debt limit, I feel obliged to address the provision…”

“because we recently shouldered the important matter of extending the debt limit, I feel obliged to address the provision in that bill that increases the earnings limit for Social Security beneficiaries aged 65-69. As my colleagues know, this is a change that I have expressed serious concern about in the past. Now that enactment of this provision has come to pass, I want to state my views about the general issue of the earnings limit. First, let me pay tribute to a fine chap, my esteemed colleague from the great State of Arizona, Senator John McCain for his dogged determination and tireless efforts to effect this change in the law. I know that my past intervention on this issue has not always been truly welcome to my colleague--but I trust that my intentions, which were always constructive, were apparent. It has never been my intention to permanently forestall all changes to the earnings limit. I trust that the provision attached to the debt limit extension provides the best available means of achieving the objectives of my friend from Arizona and all others who are interested in raising the earnings limit for seniors. Clearly, I appreciate the fundamental principle behind the earnings limit legislation. Americans are living longer, are productive for more years, and our retirement systems need to recognize these facts.”