Response from Chris Cannon (R) UTAH re: Social Security

Thank you for contacting me regarding Social Security reform. I appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts with me about this important issue.

The trustees of the Social Security Trust Fund have released a report indicating the fund will be exhausted in the year 2037. But the Trust Fund itself is merely an accounting ledger, containing government promises to pay future benefits when they come due. Whether one calls this situation a "crisis" or not, Congress should not procrastinate in examining and debating the future changes to the program now. The longer we wait, the more difficult it will become to make the necessary adjustments to ensure the program's long-term solvency.

During the 108th Congress, Representative Johnson introduced legislation that I cosponsored, which would allow individuals born since 1950 the opportunity to divert their share of the Social Security payroll tax into a personal savings account. Employers would continue to contribute their portion to assist in funding continuing benefits under the existing program, help pay transition and administrative costs, and fund disability and survivors' benefits. Under this plan, people would have the option to invest in personal retirement accounts set up much like the 401(k) plans offered by many employers, and by large organizations such as AARP.

None of the proposed bills in Congress would "privatize" Social Security. Nor would the president's proposal, though we do not yet have all the details. However, the establishment of personal retirement accounts for specific individual workers would allow younger Americans the option to build a nest egg for themselves and their children rather than build unrealistic expectations of benefits from the federal government that will only become more difficult to provide. Only significant reform of Social Security, together with a balanced budget, will guarantee solvency for future generations of Americans.

It must be pointed out that, despite the rhetoric that tends to accompany any discussion of Social Security Reform, there is no serious reform proposal under consideration today that would reduce benefits for those currently receiving them or who will be dependent upon them in the near future.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, and please feel free to do so again in the future. For more information about current issues in Congress, please visit my website: www.house.gov/cannon.

Warmest regards,

Chris Cannon
Member of Congress

People drive by and point all the time. LOL. I thought it was because we aren't mormon. I guess it's the anti-b*sh stickers on our cars and the Kerry sign we had in the front yard.

:hi: You gotta be a lonely creature out there in Utah...enjoy your visits to DU.

I think I read that in all the publicity surrounding her kidnapping. The extended family are long time Democrats.

Dear Rep. Cannon,

Your recent response to my letter regarding Social Security clearly confirms a refusal to be appreciative toward a majority of your constituents.

Duly noted.