Graham Considers Talks on Social Security's Solvency

NEW YORK – Sen. Lindsey Graham said he would consider discussions with Democrats on Social Security's future fiscal shortfall that would be separate from negotiations on President. Bush's proposal for private accounts, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday.

“Accounts are being overly sold and tremendously demagogued,'' Graham, a South Carolina Republican, told reporters in Washington. “If they want solvency without accounts, I'm willing to sit down and talk.''

Almost all Democrats say they won't negotiate until the Republicans and Bush abandon their proposal to set up personal investment accounts with a portion of Social Security payroll taxes. Sen. Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, said Bush should work with Democrats to fix the system's anticipated shortfall.

“I'd like to see President Bush put together a strong bipartisan commission with the mission of preserving Social Security,'' Schumer said.

-- NYSSCPA.org News Staff

Posted on 3/9/05