By Representative Rob Simmons (CT-2)
Since coming to Congress in 2001, I have continually fought to strengthen Social Security.
I am proud to be a sponsor of legislation that would help hundreds of thousands of senior citizens get a more fair and accurate annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) from Social Security. The bill enjoys the support of numerous senior and military service organizations.
I am also fighting to eliminate the 1993 tax on Social Security benefits, which penalizes our nation's seniors who have planned for their retirement through savings, investment, and hard work. And I believe Congress must eliminate the tax on Social Security benefits for early retirees between the ages of 62 and 64 who work.
Finally, I know it is absolutely essential that we continue to guarantee the basic benefits that Social Security provides to all, including women, people with disabilities, and children.
When I first ran for Congress in 2000, I presented my views in a small booklet where I opposed "privatizing" Social Security. By this I meant that Social Security taxes should be used principally for the payment of Social Security benefits, and they should not be diverted to private accounts.
I visualized a two-tiered system where the Social Security system is the foundation of retirement security, and other personal savings accounts become a second tier. While the two tiers complement each other, they are separate and unique.
As Congress begins to debate Social Security reform, rest assured, I will never waver from my opposition to privatizing Social Security.
October 2005
