FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Doug McGinn June 2, 1999 (202) 225-3031 RYAN PRAISES SENATE FOR MOVING FORWARD ON SOCIAL SECURITY "LOCK BOX" LEGISLATION
WASHINGTON - Two days after First District Congressman Paul Ryan held a press conference demanding that Senate Democrats end their efforts to block Social Security "Lock Box" legislation, last night they voted 99 to 1 to finally proceed with the bill for consideration. Senate Democrats had kept up the filibuster, denying a full vote on the legislation on four previous occasions. The Senate vote last night was a motion to proceed, removing one key barrier toward consideration of the bill. "We now welcome them to the table in helping to make the Social Security "Lock Box" a reality."
The Social Security "Lock Box" bill the Senate will now consider is the companion Kasich-Ryan bill that Ryan introduced in the House. Ryan has been a leader in the effort to pass Social Security "Lock Box" legislation, working with the House and Senate leadership, seniors groups, and reform coalitions. The legislation would make it illegal to ever use any payroll taxes or the Social Security Trust Fund revenues for anything but Social Security or Medicare.
"This vote follows on the heels of President Clinton reversing his opposition to Social Security 'Lock Box' legislation," said Ryan. "Apparently, the President and the Senate Democrats either read the polls or had an epiphany. After four attempts to block a vote on "Lock Box" legislation, they have finally agreed to allow the 'Lock Box' bill to proceed for consideration. We now welcome them to the table in helping to make the Social Security "Lock Box" a reality."
"This legislation is essential if we are to end the raid on the Social Security. Instead of spending billions from the Social Security Trust Fund on new or expanded government programs with little accountability, we now have an opportunity to do something responsible for the retirees of both today and tomorrow."
"After serving just six months in Congress, Paul Ryan has made a name for himself as an effective voice for protecting Social Security for our nation's seniors," said Senator Paul Coverdell, Senate Republican Conference Secretary and a leading advocate for senior retirement security initiatives. "If it were not for the energetic and tenacious leadership of dedicated reformers like Paul Ryan, the Social Security "Lock Box" legislation might have never have seen the light of day."
The Senate bill will be up for a full vote following the July Fourth recess. For additional information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Doug McGinn at (202) 225-3031.