Congressional Response: Representative Robert Simmons (R-2nd, Connecticut) Responds To Your COLA Petition

Send this article to a friend.

Printer friendly version.

Congressional Response: Representative Robert Simmons (R-2nd, Connecticut) Responds To Your COLA Petition

Thank you for contacting me in support of legislation that provides for an annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. I appreciate your taking the time to contact me.

Although the events of September 11th have occupied Congress with the war on terrorism, airport security and reversing the negative effects of the attacks on our economy, it is imperative that we allay the fears of our seniors and guarantee that their Social Security benefits will not be touched.

One such step is to promise our nation's Older Americans that their Social Security benefits are the "moral" equivalent of issuing a U.S. government bond. When the government borrows money from individuals or financial institutions, it gives them a bond in return that promises to repay the money at a specific rate of interest. Social Security beneficiaries have no such guarantee to their benefits and need legislation to ensure they will receive the benefits they are entitled to.

To this end, you will be pleased to know that I am a cosponsor of H.R. 832, the "Social Security Guarantee Act," legislation to guarantee the right of seniors to receive their full Social Security benefits. Introduced by Reps. Walter Jones (R-NC) and Tom Tancredo (R-CO), H.R. 832 would require the Secretary of the Treasury to issue to each recipient of Social Security retirement benefits a certificate that includes a written guarantee of a fixed monthly benefit, and a guaranteed annual cost-of-living (COLA) increase.

H.R. 832 has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Social Security, where no hearings have yet been held. I am hopeful that despite a focus on providing our country with the necessary tools to rebuild what has been destroyed, restore what has been taken and respond against those who have inflicted such unspeakable damage on our great nation, Congress will have time to consider and debate this issue which is so important to our country's seniors.

Thanks again for contacting me. Your opinions help me to serve you and the people of Connecticut better. Should you have any further questions about this or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact me again.

May God bless you, your family and these United States of America.

All the best,

Rob Simmons
Member of Congress
Second District, Connecticut

October 2002