The topic of "the Notch Baby problem" is proving just as contentious as ever.  The issue pits those in Congress who view Social Security as a promise between our government and workers against those who insist that Congress should have the complete freedom to change the program AT ANY time — even abruptly.

We recently learned that, last year, the Comptroller General of the United States, David Walker, warned Congress, at a House Ways and Means Committee hearing chaired by Representative Bill Thomas (CA), that Social Security is at risk and that benefits are not guaranteed under law.  "Doing nothing," Walker said, "means that we are going to head to a precipitous decline in benefits.  Remember the Notch Baby problem?  This would be a Notch Baby problem magnified multiple times and it should not be allowed to happen."

We agree.  In recent years TSCL has frequently and repeatedly warned that Congressional inaction on Social Security’s long-term financing problems could give birth to a "new generation of Notch Babies."  TSCL supports a slow phase-in of future changes to Social Security in order to avoid causing a "precipitous decline" in benefits for future retirees.  By starting now, workers would have time to make the necessary adjustment for their retirements. 

Chairman Thomas, however, took issue with the statement of Comptroller General Walker and halted the hearing to "correct the record."  He stated, "it (Social Security) is not an entitlement.  Congress can at any time change the benefits if they believe that a previous decision was imprudent or ill-advised."  He further stated that he wanted to correct the record so that the impression would not be given that Congress "is, in fact creating a whole new universe of ‘Notch Babies.’"

We continue to encourage Congress to take steps now to ensure that Social Security’s financing remains sound.  But TSCL is also continuing to press Congress to address Notch Reform as well.  With enough names on "The Notch Fairness Act" legislation, we can force the bill out of the House Ways and Means Committee where Chairman Thomas is keeping it buttoned up.  With enough Representatives signed on as co-sponsors, we can force Notch Reform legislation to the House floor where it can get a straight up-and-down vote.

Please help.  Contact your Member of Congress.  This is an election year, and your Member of Congress has many reasons to listen very carefully.  Let’s tell them to add their names in support of H.R. 615, "The Notch Fairness Act."  The name of your Representative could be the one that tips the scales and moves the legislation out for a vote!

December 2005