Issue Position: Social Security

Issue Position

Congressman Kucinich has been one of the sobering voices on the Social Security "crisis." Contrary to what some are saying, Social Security is in fact secure. But there are political forces that are trying to dismantle Social Security. Wall Street is seeking the privatization of Social Security because of the billions of dollars of fees they will be able to charge on retirement investment accounts, and these private interests seek the dismantling of Social Security because they oppose successful government programs.

Congressman Kucinich has been at the head of efforts in Congress to protect and preserve Social Security. For instance, back in 1999 Congressman Kucinich brought experts together on Capitol Hill to examine and refute claims that Social Security is facing a crisis. At a conference he held in Washington in February 1999, members of Congress, staff and the public heard from Ralph Nader, economists and senior citizen advocates dispelling the myth that Social Security faces a crisis.

In 2001, the Progressive Caucus, which Congressman Kucinich chaired, offered an amendment to prohibit the implementation of the Presidential commission's privatization plan. Nearly every Democrat voted in favor of our amendment. Indeed, this vote revealed that we need only 30 more votes to stop privatization. Congressman Kucinich believes that in the event a real privatization plan should come before Congress, we will succeed in finding those 30 votes.

Congressman Kucinich has also circulated letters among other members of Congress against privatization of Social Security.

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