Reid Statement On The 80th Anniversary of Social Security

Statement

Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today recognizing the 80th anniversary of Social Security:

"Since it was enacted 80 years ago, the Social Security program has been our country's most sacred promise to all Americans: that if you work hard, contribute and play by the rules, you can retire with grace and dignity. For eight decades now, Social Security has fulfilled that promise and provided millions of Americans with the economic security they need, deserve and have earned.

"Before President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law in 1935, more than 50 percent of older Americans lived in poverty. Many of them worked hard their entire lives but still had to beg for basic necessities like food, shelter and medical care. Today, less than 9 percent of seniors live in poverty. This is a direct result of Social Security.

"Throughout the years, the Social Security program was further strengthened to include survivors and disability benefits for workers and their families. These benefits are a lifeline for individuals and families of those who become disabled before retirement age or pass away. Without them, millions of people, including many young children, would currently be living in extreme poverty.

"Social Security is the most successful program in American history. It has improved millions of lives over the last 80 years, and its trust fund contains enough assets to fully fund its promised benefits for nearly 20 more years. But despite decades of success, Social Security remains a target among Republicans. They have called for delaying the retirement age, cutting benefits and even phasing out the program completely. Most recently, Congressional Republicans targeted Social Security disability benefits, putting millions of disabled Americans at risk of steep benefit cuts that would force many into poverty. I have spent my career fending off attacks against this vital program, and I will continue to fight for Social Security's future. I will continue to oppose all efforts to break Social Security's solemn promise to the American people.

"I know how critical Social Security is to seniors and younger beneficiaries in Nevada and throughout our great country. Seniors deserve to retire with the knowledge that the Social Security benefits they earned over a lifetime of hard work will be there for them. And younger Americans should be assured that their families will have a social safety net to rely on in the event of a tragedy. I remain committed to ensuring that is the case."

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