Social Security: A Promise for Future Generations

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I wish my constituents back home in the 21st Congressional District and Americans throughout the country a very happy new year. May it bring us good tidings and health, and may the Congress come together to solve some of the critical problems that we are facing in our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, nearly 83 years ago, the first Social Security check went out. Beginning as a promise for future generations of America, it was an attempt to create a safety net; and it has. Social Security is the major source of income for the majority of people over the age of 65; that accounts for over 70 million Americans.

In my 21st Congressional District, located in California's San Joaquin Valley, nearly 88,000 people depend upon this program for their basic needs: for food, for rent, for groceries. It is critical therefore that we address the issues involving Social Security.

A lot has changed in our country since it was first enacted in the 1930s during the Great Depression. Americans today, those who are receiving, and those who hope to receive Social Security, fear that the future of this vital program and their benefits are at risk, and they should be.

Why? Well, the long-term financial integrity of Social Security is not sustainable, and therefore, we have to fix it.

Instead of fixing Social Security, many of my extreme MAGA Republicans are focused on gutting the program and cutting vital benefits. That is wrong.

Under the leadership of my good friend Congressman John Larson, House Democrats have put forth a plan of action to secure and expand the benefits of Social Security. The Social Security Act of 2100: A Sacred Trust Act permanently improves Social Security's long-term health by extending the trust fund's solvency, which is critical, without any increase in taxes on the middle class. Let me repeat that: without any increase in taxes on the middle class.

It also repeals the bureaucratic rules, like the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset that prevents law enforcement officers, firefighters, and their families from receiving full benefits. They should receive full benefits.

Mr. Speaker, I am a proud cosponsor of this bill because Congress must uphold its promise to all seniors so they can retire with respect and dignity.

What are we talking about? We are talking about America's safety net. American seniors and future generations deserve better. We owe it to them who have spent their entire lives contributing to make their country a better place to live and who are counting on Social Security in their golden years.

Our country needs a roadmap to protect Social Security for generations to come, and this bill will do just that. I remain committed to upholding the sacred trust that was made many years ago, working together with Republicans and Democrats for all Americans to fix the solvency of our Social Security system. Securing Our Border

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, much has been said about the challenges we face at the border and immigration in America. We must fix this broken immigration system. We had an opportunity in 2013, and Republicans and Democrats must come together to protect our border, to protect it from human trafficking and from the movement of illicit drugs.

With commonsense action, I believe we can come together to do this. I will continue to work with my colleagues so that we can fix our broken immigration system and secure our border. That is what needs to be done.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source