Senate Engages in Social Security Fight

WASHINGTON -- The Senate plunged into debate Tuesday over President Bush's effort to revamp Social Security as Democrats and Republicans lined up largely symbolic amendments aimed at casting each party as the program's true defender, The Associated Press reported.

Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., proposed requiring votes of 60 of the 100 senators for future tax cuts or spending increases until Social Security's long-term solvency has been assured.

Republicans wanted the Senate to go on record acknowledging the importance of fixing the program's ills, caused by the coming crunch of baby boomer retirements.

A separate, nonbinding amendment by Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said, "Congress should reject any Social Security plan that requires deep benefit cuts or a massive increase in debt" but should buttress the program in an unspecified way.

-- NYSSCPA.org News Staff

Posted on 3/15/05