DeLauro Statement on the 81st Anniversary of Social Security
WASHINGTON, DC (August 14, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement on the 81st anniversary of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signing Social Security into law on August 14, 1935.
"Social Security is one of the nation's most effective social safety net programs. For 81 years, Social Security has been a stable and secure source of income for our nation's seniors and families, many of whom desperately need it. The program rewards a lifetime of hard work with a dignified retirement, while also successfully keeping millions of Americans from falling into poverty.
"And while Social Security continues to make an incredible difference in the lives of our nation's working families, Speaker Ryan and Republicans continue to attack the program. Just this year, Republicans in Congress made the mind-boggling decision to cut the Social Security Administration's budget by $264 million. Under these cuts, the agency would be forced to reduce services hours, extend wait times and backlogs, and even shutter offices.
"We owe it to the American people to do everything we can to ensure that they have the help they need to apply for and receive Social Security benefits. These cuts are a disaster and the American people will suffer. After a lifetime of hard work, no senior should be faced with difficulties in applying for Social Security benefits. I strongly urge my Republican colleagues to change course on this issue."
According to Social Security Works, Social Security provided benefits to 659,238 Connecticut residents in 2015, with beneficiaries receiving an average benefit of $16,370.
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