The Unlocked Lock Box

Written on July 13, 2011

Dear Congressman Connolly (and Senators Webb and Warner),

I was shocked to hear the President say in a TV interview last night that he could not guarantee Social Security benefits would be paid if the debt ceiling was not raised. This begs 2 questions. First, how can the Social Security Trust Fund be dependent upon raising the debt ceiling and borrowing money to pay these benefits when the trust fund is supposed to be in a "lock box" and contributions are not intended to be put into a general spending pot? The second question is, if in fact the Social Security Trust Fund is bankrupt why are democrats opposed to reforming the SS program and acting like the republicans want to throw granny off a cliff when the talk about reform? The Citizens of Virginia and the United States deserve to hear the truth and not some mumbo jumbo scare tactics. This President has become the most divisive President in recent history pitting rich against poor, old against young and black against white. I would appreciate a direct response to these 2 questions. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Palma Hutchinson

Here is Senator Warner's response:

Dear Mrs. Hutchinson,

Thank you for contacting me about Social Security, the primary source of retirement income for many Americans. I appreciate hearing from you on this important topic.

Since 1935, Social Security has provided income to and reduced poverty among seniors, dependent survivors, and disabled Americans. Over 50 million Americans currently receive monthly benefit checks. I believe that Social Security should continue to provide retirement security to all those who have paid into the system. Honoring that commitment, however, will involve developing solutions to steer the Social Security program from its current unsustainable course back toward long-term solvency.

As of May 13th, the Social Security Board of Trustees report projected that without changes, the Trust Funds for seniors, dependent survivors and disabled Americans will be depleted by 2036. This means if nothing is done, all beneficiaries will be subject to a 22 percent cut across the board. Factors including the recent economic crisis, the oncoming retirement of the Baby Boomer generation, and Americans' growing life spans have intensified the strain on the system.

I have worked for the last six months with a bipartisan group of Senators to craft a solution to our debt and deficit problem. On July 19, 2011, we put forward our plan in hopes that it would provide a solid basis for a bipartisan, comprehensive, and balanced solution. The plan we put forward would slash our deficits by $3.7 trillion over ten years and stabilize our publicly-held debt by 2014.

Apart from deficit reduction, our plan would ensure Social Security's solvency for the next 75 years. Any savings created by changes to Social Security would go back into the Social Security system, not to deficit reduction. It is important that Social Security reform remain separate from other budget efforts, but we should strive to restore long-term solvency to Social Security while providing seniors with the benefits they need.

Sincerely,
MARK R. WARNER
United States Senator

My reaction: So, the President was lying about not knowing if Social Security payments could be made (according to Senator Warner the system is solvent through 2036) come August 3. AND the system does need to be reformed despite Pelosi and other radical democrats (including the President) accusing Republicans of wanting to send Granny off a cliff by discussing social security/entitlement reform. I wonder what else they're lying about.