DeLauro Marks 84th Anniversary of Social Security
A video of her statement can be found here.
WASHINGTON, DC (August 14, 2019) – Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released a video on the 84th Anniversary of Social Security being signed into law. Below are her remarks as delivered:
Hello, this is Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. I want to take a moment to recognize the 84th Anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signing the Social Security Act into law.
Perhaps the ultimate legislative expression of our nation's shared values is our Social Security program. In 1935, our federal government made a promise to American workers that if they worked hard all of their lives, they would not fall into poverty when they retire. Social Security is foundational to tens of millions' Americans economic security as they retire. It provides a stable and secure source of income for our nation's seniors and their families. We continue to keep that promise today, as Social Security lifts 22 million seniors out of poverty each year.
Nevertheless, Social Security no longer stretches as far as it once did. And when Social Security does not keep up with the cost of living, or modern economic challenges, seniors are robbed of their dignity and independence. That is why we need to protect and enhance Social Security and to ensure it is able to help those who need it. With that goal in mind, I am proud to support my dear friend and colleague, Congressman John Larson, who chairs the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee. I am a cosponsor of his bill, the Social Security 2100 Act, which would expand benefits, strengthen the Social Security trust fund, and cut taxes for seniors. That bill and House Democrats' leadership is critical at a time when Americans are struggling with stagnant incomes and a lack of good-paying jobs.
All Americans must keep up the fight to protect and expand social safety net programs like Social Security. The 60 million Americans receiving Social Security and countless more who will receive it are counting on us, and we will deliver.
Thank you.