FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Doug McGinn September 23, 1999 (202) 225-3031 RYAN EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT OVER CLINTON VETO OF TAX RELIEF & DEBT REDUCTION BILL
WASHINGTON - First District Congressman Paul Ryan today expressed his disappointment over President Clinton's veto over the recently passed Congressional tax relief and debt reduction package. Incorporated within the package that was vetoed were provisions to secure Social Security and Medicare, institute significant debt reduction, and provide broad-based tax relief for working families. "Unfortunately, today the interests in Washington won over the interests of people in Wisconsin."
"Unfortunately, today the special interests in Washington won over the interests of people in Wisconsin," said Ryan. "The tax relief provisions of the legislation that was vetoed today would have allowed Wisconsin families to keep more of their own paychecks, while also assisting them with the growing costs of health care, education, and retirement. Additional elements of the legislation included needed protections for Social Security and Medicare, and the establishment of historic controls to bring down the national debt."
"In contrast, the President has chosen new spending over tax relief. Our focus must now be to ensure that, at a minimum, we secure significant debt reduction. With the non-Social Security surpluses we are expected to realize over the next ten years, we have an historic opportunity to put our nation back on sound financial footing. We cannot afford to ignore this responsibility over the temptation to spend the surplus on new government programs.
"Also, we must end Washington's raid on Social Security. To do so, the President needs to send a clear signal supporting the Social Security "Lock Box" legislation currently held hostage in the U.S. Senate. This important bill would lock away every penny of Social Security for Social Security - period. My bottom line is this: do not raid the Social Security surpluses."
For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Congressman Ryan, please contact Doug McGinn at (202) 225-3031.