By Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (FL-5)
Ever since I began my career as a public official, whether it was serving as a County Commissioner, a State Senator, or today as a United States Congresswoman, I have prided myself on meeting the needs of my constituents and being an independent voice on their behalf.
In the 108th Congress, I was proud to stand by House Republican leadership and the President when I thought that their vision for America's future was the correct course to take. On occasion, however, I took a stand on issues that my constituents and I felt were important, including prescription drug re-importation, tougher border security standards and improving access to health care benefits for veterans. These were not popular positions within my Party, but were the right choices for my constituents.
This year the 109th Congress is faced with the challenging task of finding legislative solutions to ensure the long-term viability of Social Security. As the Member of Congress representing the greatest number of Social Security beneficiaries in the nation, no issue is more important to me than this one. And once again, I find myself standing up for my beliefs and principles.
Advocates on both sides of the aisle have presented what their views are on the issue of reform. Some Members have made up their minds and endorsed specific proposals already. I have not.
Instead of being pushed into a hasty and ill-informed decision, I am taking the time needed to fully evaluate all the available options and ideas that are presented. Unlike some of my Democratic colleagues who have dug their heads into the sand and are unwilling to admit that Social Security has serious long-term issues, I recognize that something needs to be done to ensure that our children's and grandchildren's Social Security benefits will be there for them in the future.
I also feel, however, that blindly accepting legislative proposals without fully reviewing and vetting their effects on our constituents would be both irresponsible and reckless. With a quarter million Social Security beneficiaries in Florida's 5th District, I need to know what the potential impact of any reform would be before I put my name and my vote behind a solution. To do otherwise would not reflect the needs of my constituents or of my convictions.
As the debate proceeds, I would hope that all parties would rise above the partisanship and scare tactics we have seen so far, and debate Social Security reform on its merits. I know that Social Security is a polarizing and emotional issue, but I pledge to you that I will keep an open mind and will do my best to work with all interested parties to find a solution that is best for the 5th District and our nation.
