Reaction to SS Report Runs along Party Lines [Congressional Democrats see it quite differently]

KTEN ^ | 3/24/05 | AP

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - Congressional reaction to the latest financial report from Social Security's trustees is breaking predictably along party lines.

The trustees say Social Security will run out of money by 2041. That's a year earlier than previously expected and congressional Republicans say that shows there is no time to waste to fix the situation.

Congressional Democrats see it quite differently.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid says it shows Social Security will remain on solid ground "for decades." He says the only place a crisis exists is in the minds of Republicans.

Treasury Secretary John Snow, who is one of the trustees, says the latest numbers leave no doubt that Social Security reform is needed and it's needed soon.

[Mr. K]

"Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid says it shows Social Security will remain on solid ground "for decades." "

Then when it crashes into the wall like a freight train it will be time to think about doing something.

Republicans just need to keep bringing up clintoons statements (agreeing with republicans)

[HankReardon]

They are basing their conclusions on money that is not there. There is no money in the "SS Trust Fund". When the money going out exceeds the money coming in they can't go to the Trust Fund, they'll have to raise payroll taxes, reduce benefits and extend the retirement age.
I want a congressman to please say, "No, the Social Security System is NOT solvent umtil 2042 or 2041, there's no money in the Trust Fund, it has been spent."
We are all not idiots.

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

"We are all not idiots."

Well said.