E. Shaw

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today marks the eighty-seventh anniversary of an event none of us would wish we have to remember--the genocide of the Armenian people. On April 24, 1915, hundreds of Armenian political, religious and intellectual leaders were forcibly rounded up, exiled and eventually murdered. Over the course of the next eight years, over a million Armenian men, women, and children lost their lives. Untold numbers of Armenian villages were destroyed. Peace-loving people the world over pause today to reflect on these most tragic events. I urge my fellow Members of Congress and Americans throughout the country to join me in commemorating the Armenian people and to honor the memory of so many who fell to the horrible injustices inflicted upon them. The plight of the Armenian people can be overshadowed by more recent and more visible acts of genocide, such as that suffered by Jews in World War II. But all acts of inhumanity can have no place in civilized societies. We must not forget the death of even a single child, whether in Auschwitz or Anatolia. I hope that remembering the events of April 24, 1915 is more than mere ceremony. These memories are a signpost pointing the way to a future where no people should have to live in fear of their lives, especially because of racial or ethnic circumstances none of us can control. All of us must redouble efforts to ensure that the anniversaries celebrated by future generations will be joyous occasions to celebrate the freedom and prosperity of Armenians everywhere.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I have a prepared statement that I will make part of the Record, and therefore I want to direct my statements to really the incredible statement that I just heard on the floor by the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Social Security and the ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means. Mr. Speaker, I would say to my friends, no one is raiding the Social Security trust fund. By law you cannot. The only thing in the trust fund is Treasury Bills. Is anybody saying we are taking Treasury Bills out of the Social Security trust fund? Of course not. Let us get a basic knowledge here of honesty and really look into how this system works. The FICA taxes that are paid, which, incidentally, are not being cut, so I do not know where that argument came from, that came really out of left field, goes into the Social Security trust fund. It goes out by way of payment of benefits. What is not used is a surplus, which then goes into the general fund and is replaced with Treasury Bills inside the trust fund. Now, how in the world do you raid the Social Security trust fund? By law you cannot. You cannot and never have. When the Democrats were spending all of the surplus and deficit spending, they did not go into the trust fund, because you cannot. You cannot go into the trust fund. I also heard the incredible statement made just a few moments ago that this is going to lower benefits by 30 percent. Do you know where that figure comes from? If this Congress does nothing, nothing, to reform the Social Security system in this country by forward funding it. That is what the Democrats are talking about. They are not going to have enough money beginning after somewhere in about 25 or 30 years, and they will be faced with a situation, the country will be faced with a situation, of not being able to maintain the amount of benefits that we have. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to mislead American workers and seniors. They claim the Social Security trust funds are being raided to pay for needed tax relief--in spite of the facts. Such myths are intended only to scare seniors, use Social Security as a political jackhammer, and divert attention from the fact that the Democratic leadership has no plan for strengthening Social Security. They are not acting responsibly. Everybody here knows the Social Security trust funds have no dollars to ``raid.'' Social Security works the way it always has: surplus payroll taxes are credited to the trust funds as interest bearing Treasury bills--that's the law. It is legally impossible to use those Treasury IOUs for anything else other than paying benefits or administering the Social Security program. In the name of Social Security, Democrats opposed to making the tax cuts permanent are for tax hikes. Yet, saddling hard-working taxpayers with higher taxes does nothing to stop the enormous cash-flow deficits Social Security faces due to the aging of our nation. If nothing is done, Americans will soon face the additional tax burden of supporting Social Security. While doing nothing appears to be the Democrat solution, it certainly isn't ours. Moreover, the numbers just don't add up. The cost of Social Security's annual cash-flow deficits will continue to grow, well beyond over-inflated cost estimates of extending tax relief. And everyone knows adding more government IOUs to the trust fund doesn't do a single thing for Social Security. Because at the end of the day, the Treasury still needs to find the cash to pay those debts. Making the tax cuts permanent will help the economy grow by hundreds of billions of dollars in the near future, making debt reduction easier, sustaining productivity growth and improving our ability to address the needs of the retiring baby-boom. Letting the tax cuts expire, on the other hand, will cause tax hikes on taxpayers, dampen economic growth, and erode retirement security. For example, a 35 year old would set aside over $160,000 less in their IRA at age 65 if the tax cut is not make permanent. Rather than talking about how to pass the buck onto future generations, let's have a full and honest debate about how to keep the pledge both Republicans and Democrats made last December. In a vote of 415-5 we pledged to save Social Security without cutting benefits, without raising taxes, or ignoring the special needs of women and minorities. This debate should start with the Democrats' offering their plan to save Social Security. Are they for massive, growing, and never-ending general revenue transfers that still leave an unsustainable program? Are they for Uncle Sam sitting in the corporate boardrooms of America by allowing government investing of the trust funds or making millions of workers pay more payroll taxes without giving them credit toward their benefits, as called for by Mr. DeFazio--who has my sincere respect for committing his plan to legislation. Where are his Democrat colleagues? America's seniors, workers, and their families are counting on us to provide leadership to strengthen Social Security. If we neglect this duty, if we play political games using Social Security as a pawn, it is our kids and grandkids that will pay the price of our shortsightedness.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of some local heroes. It is a pleasure to recognize the dedicated, hard working men and women of Broward County's Fire Emergency Rescue units. Each day, these men and women place their personal safety on the line in order to protect the 1.2 million residents of Broward County. Following the tragic terrorist attacks on September 11th, a number of Broward County Firefighters voluntarily decided to offer much needed assistance to their broken New York City bretheren. Undaunted and determined, they trecked north to lend a hand in dealing with the horrific aftermath of that infamous September day. Mr. Speaker, having visited Ground Zero myself, I witnessed firsthand the arduous task our firefighters faced, and continue facing almost seven months later. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize those brave individuals from Broward County who served in New York. From USAR South Florida Task Force 2: Division Chief Stephen Mclnerny II, Battalion Chief Robert Hoecherl, Battalion Chief John Molenda, Lt. Douglas LeValley, Lt. Richard Seabrook, and Driver-Engineer Charles Frank. Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize those who voluntarily traveled to Now York: Lt. David Carter, Driver-Engineer Jacob Snowhite, Driver-Engineer Milton Selimos, Firefighter Troy Cool, Firefighter Yuri Grijalva, Firefighter Robert Soto, Firefighter Michael Salzano, Firefighter John McLoughlin, and Firefighter Michael Reimer. These men worked around the clock, despite overwhelming carnage, in helping New York begin the slow process of recovery--an experience they will carry with them for the remainder of their lives. Mr. Speaker, based on their courageous actions these heroic firefighters make Broward County residents proud. As a resident of Broward County, I am proud of their service to our community.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Yom Ha Shoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. We recall now not only the more than six million Jews who lost their lives, but the human potential that was also extinguished during the dark days of World War II. We remember not just the mothers and fathers, the sons and daughters, the brothers and sisters, but also their descendents who never got to make their contributions to mankind. And we remember the heroes who gave their lives in the greatest fight for freedom and democracy the modern world has ever known. By pausing today, we join in a solemn bond with the victims of the Holocaust to ensure that the world will never suffer such a horrific tragedy again. It is through our reflection that we acknowledge our loss and through our actions that we build a world free of such hatred and despair. Our greatest tribute to the millions who suffered at the hands of the Nazis will be to ensure that their memory will never be extinguished. By recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day, we do just that by educating today's and future generations. Yet the fires of hate, which burned so brightly in Europe from 1939 through 1945, never really burned out. They were smoldering in the hearts of the terrorists who flew their planes into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and into the ground of rural Pennsylvania on September 11th. And those same fires are ablaze even today, in actions of the suicide bombers on the West Bank and in Gaza. We pray, Mr. Speaker, for a soothing rain to extinguish forever the fires of hatred. With these examples fresh in our minds, we marvel at the strength and character of the Jewish people. Their steadfast determination to rebuild their lives following the Holocaust has given the world a remarkable model of resolve. Through their example, we can glimpse the extraordinary human spirit that rises above the fruitlessness of anger and resentment. With this day and with our deeds we honor that spirit. Mr. Speaker, we observe Yom Ha Shoah to always remember and never forget. I am proud to recognize Yom Ha Shoah and I urge my colleagues, and all Americans, to do the same.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 24-year legislative career of my friend, and constituent, Ron Silver. Ron Silver exemplifies the essence of what it means to be a public servant. Throughout his legislative career Ron has served Florida and the people of Miami-Dade county with dignity and honor. His peers fondly named him Dean of the Florida Legislature. A native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Ron and his family moved to Florida in 1958 where young Ron began laying the groundwork for a legislative career that would span over two decades, include five U.S. presidents and six Florida governors. In 1978, Ron took his ideas and vision to Tallahassee as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. There, Ron worked tirelessly on issues such as health care, aging and long term care, and criminal justice. His leadership was rewarded when his colleagues elected him to two terms as House Majority Whip and Majority Leader. In these leadership roles, Ron had the enviable task of building consensus among of his Democratic colleagues. Not an easy task, but one that Ron relished. In 1992, Ron, with the support of his beloved wife, Irene, was elected to the Florida Senate. In the Senate, he was again elected to a leadership role as Majority Leader. As a member of that distinguished body, Ron stands out as a champion of disadvantaged Floridians. Ron shares my commitment to reducing Florida's welfare rolls by promoting personal responsibility and giving a hand up as opposed to a hand out. Our partnership grew as a result of the historic 1996 welfare reform act and it continues today as we fund the critical program known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Although 2002 brings an end to Ron Silver's legislative service, Mr. Speaker, I am certain Ron will continue serving his community and the great state of Florida for many years to come. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of Florida's Congressional delegation, I salute Ron Silver, on his twenty-four great years of honorable service in the Florida legislature and wish him and his family the very best in the years to come. I'm proud to call Ronald Alden Silver my friend.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Yom Ha Shoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. We recall now not only the more than six million Jews who lost their lives, but the human potential that was also extinguished during the dark days of World War II. We remember not just the mothers and fathers, the sons and daughters, the brothers and sisters, but also their descendents who never got to make their contributions to mankind. And we remember the heroes who gave their lives in the greatest fight for freedom and democracy the modern world has ever known. By pausing today, we join in a solemn bond with the victims of the Holocaust to ensure that the world will never suffer such a horrific tragedy again. It is through our reflection that we acknowledge our loss and through our actions that we build a world free of such hatred and despair. Our greatest tribute to the millions who suffered at the hands of the Nazis will be to ensure that their memory will never be extinguished. By recognizing Holocaust Remembrance Day, we do just that by educating today's and future generations. Yet the fires of hate, which burned so brightly in Europe from 1939 through 1945, never really burned out. They were smoldering in the hearts of the terrorists who flew their planes into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and into the ground of rural Pennsylvania on September 11th. And those same fires are ablaze even today, in actions of the suicide bombers on the West Bank and in Gaza. We pray, Mr. Speaker, for a soothing rain to extinguish forever the fires of hatred. With these examples fresh in our minds, we marvel at the strength and character of the Jewish people. Their steadfast determination to rebuild their lives following the Holocaust has given the world a remarkable model of resolve. Through their example, we can glimpse the extraordinary human spirit that rises above the fruitlessness of anger and resentment. With this day and with our deeds we honor that spirit. Mr. Speaker, we observe Yom Ha Shoah to always remember and never forget. I am proud to recognize Yom Ha Shoah and I urge my colleagues, and all Americans, to do the same.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, this month is Women's History Month. In considering the integral role women have played in making America the great nation it is today and their daily contributions to the growth of our economy and the stability of American families, we are reminded yet again how important it is to ensure Social Security will continue to provide the economic security women need and deserve after a lifetime of sacrifice and hard work. In looking at Social Security's history, it is no wonder it is so important to women. The first woman to serve as a Presidential Cabinet Member-Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins--was Chairwoman of the committee that designed Social Security, and the first beneficiary to receive a monthly benefit was also a woman--Ida May Fuller. Social Security's lifetime inflation-adjusted benefits, spouse and survivor benefits, and progressive benefit formula provide critical protections for women, because they live longer, earn less, take time away from the workforce to care for kids, and have less pension and asset income than men. Without Social Security, more than half of elderly women would live in poverty. Although Social Security has successfully provided an effective safety net for two-thirds of a century, Social Security is facing serious financial challenges. Beginning in 2016, payroll taxes won't be enough to cover promised benefit payments and Social Security will call on the Treasury to make good on its obligations to the trust funds. Soon thereafter, payroll taxes taken out of the wages of our hard- working kids and grandkids will be the only source of revenue--and they will cover only 73% of benefits, and even less than that in future years. If we fall to enact a plan to save Social Security, the consequences would be devastating for millions of Americans, especially women. For these reasons, restoring Social Security's solvency for the 21st century and beyond is a national priority for the public, Congress, and the President. We need to stop poisoning the well of bipartisanship, set aside political demagoguery, and fulfill our duty as Members of Congress by working together toward this goal. We can start building a foundation of common ground by taking a modest step to enhance Social Security benefits for women, without jeopardizing the financial position of the trust funds. I've worked with the Social Security Administration to identify potential enhancements that we could make to help women, while ensuring the costs will not affect Social Security's ability to make benefit benefits in the long- term. I have found three provisions that, while modest in terms of overall impact, represent real help for just over 120,000 women when implemented. Today these provisions are being introduced as the Social Security Benefit Enhancements for Women Act of 2002. These provisions increase benefits for certain widows, allow more disabled widows to qualify for disabled widow benefits, and enable certain divorced spouses to receive benefits sooner. These enhancements are particularly necessary, because elderly and disabled widows and divorced spouses are more likely to live in poverty. Back in December, virtually all the Members of the House of Representatives voted to save Social Security soon, without benefit cuts or tax increases. I sincerely hope that by coming together to enhance benefits for women, we will build further consensus that will help us make the progress that is so desperately toward our larger commitment of saving Social Security for our kids and grandkids. We must not allow shortsightedness and election-year politics come between us and this goal; otherwise, our kids and grandkids will pay the price.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Social Security Program Protection Act of 2002'' to provide the Social Security Administration with the additional tools they need to fight activities that drain resources from Social Security and undermine the financial security of beneficiaries. Many Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries have individuals or organizations called ``representative payees'' appointed by the Social Security Administration to help manage their financial affairs when they are not capable. At present nearly 7 million beneficiaries entrust their financial arrangements to ``rep payees.'' Representative payees safeguard income and make sure expenditures are made for the beneficiary's good. Most of them are conscientious and honest, however, some are not. The current precautions have not prevented abuse as well as hoped. This bill raises the standards for representative payee positions and imposes stricter regulation and monetary penalties on those who fail their duties and their clients. This bill also picks up where our 1996 legislation ended in stopping benefit payments to those who have committed crimes. In that year, Congress passed provisions denying Supplemental Security Income benefits to those individuals fleeing to avoid prosecution or confinement. Fugitive felons, however, can still receive Title II benefits that come directly out of the Social Security trust funds. This is not right and this legislation denies the money to those fleeing justice. My legislation also provides tools to further protect the integrity of Social Security programs, protect Social Security employees from harm while conducting their duties, expand the Inspector General's ability to stop perpetrators of fraud through new civil monetary penalties, and prevent persons from misrepresenting themselves as they provide Social Security-related services. My legislation not only prevents fraud and protects the Social Security programs, it also helps those who are legitimately seeking to receive benefits. Provisions from the Attorney Fee Payment System Improvement Act of 2001 to improve the attorney fee withholding process are also included in this bill. These provisions cap the current fee assessment and extend withholding to Supplemental Security Income claims, so more individuals with disabilities are able to receive needed help navigating a complex application process for benefits. And finally, this legislation continues the great work of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, helping individuals with disabilities to have a better, more dignified and independent life. Mr. Speaker, if your constituents complain about abuses in the Social Security programs, or are angry at fugitive felons receiving government benefits, then become a supporter of this legislation. Show those at home that you care about this program and the people who depend on it and join me in getting this legislation passed this year.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Sununu) for yielding this time to me. Sitting here listening to this debate, I find it absolutely outrageous. Either the speakers that have been up talking about raiding the trust fund do not have a clue as to how it works or the debate has been absolutely dishonest. Anyone who says that there are dollars in the Social Security Trust Fund that we are raiding, it is not true. It is absolutely not true. The whole question with regard to the Social Security Trust Fund from 1970 right up through 1997, every bit of that surplus was being spent yet the dollars were in the trust fund exactly the way they were before. They go into the trust fund. They are replaced by Treasury bills that are put in the trust fund. There are no dollars in the trust fund. There is no way we can go in and raid the trust fund unless we are grabbing Treasury bills out of there. To listen to the argument that anyone tries to use as a scare tactic I think is below the dignity of this House of Representatives, and I think that this scare tactic is absolutely the low point that I have ever seen in this House of Representatives. We have a once great party that is now bankrupt of ideas. They have no budget to bring to us. They have no plan to save Social Security. All they can do is throw stones. Sit in the bleachers, sit on the other side and throw stones to us on this side. This is absolutely, I think, outrageous. It is below the dignity of this House.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, in the first week of February, I remained in Florida all week to attend to my wife, Emilie, who had to undergo surgery. I am pleased to report that she is doing well, and thank my colleagues for their expressions of kindness and support for her. While away from Washington on personal family medical leave, I was not present to record my vote on Roll Call Votes #6 through #14. 1 ask unanimous consent that the Congressional Record reflect, in the appropriate place, that had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea'' in each instance, for recorded votes number 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to a great American, Dave Thomas, who passed away at the age of 69 on January 8, 2002. I am honored to be an original cosponsor of this resolution that honors his life and expresses the deepest condolences of the House of Representatives to his family on his death. I had the privilege of knowing, working with and, in fact, representing Dave Thomas in Congress. But most importantly, I had the honor of calling Dave my friend. Dave Thomas was the epitome of the American success story. He worked his way from humble roots to be an icon of business achievement. What I admired and respected most about Dave was what he did with his success. Inspired by his own experiences as an adopted child, he poured his heart and his influence into helping children find families. A giant in the arena of adoption, Dave gave a voice to thousands of children looking for loving homes through his Foundation for Adoption and his contributions to the Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law at Capital University. As the former Chairman of the Human Resources Subcommittee, I had the honor of having Dave testify before my panel on two occasions. Dave was both an advocate and an authority on adoption, whose input was invaluable as I drafted legislation to improve adoption policies. He was a pioneer in developing adoption friendly corporate practices, giving his employees who adopted children special benefits. I join his family, the House of Representatives and thousands of children around America who are waiting to be adopted, to honor the life of this great man.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. People watching this debate have to be somewhat confused at this particular time, but let us bring everything back to earth and see exactly where we are at this particular time in the debate. Right here in Washington right now it is 1:30 in the morning. Comments have been made as to the lateness of the hour. Much of the lateness of the hour has been caused by the failed negotiations between this body and the other body in order to try to work something out. Unfortunately, I have to agree with the previous speaker that this may be dead on arrival when it is received in the other body. But if it is not acted upon, then certain things will not be addressed by this Congress and signed into law by this President; such things as the extension of unemployment compensation for 13 weeks. That is important. That is important to the people who are without jobs, and it may not be enough. The gentleman from Washington was talking about, well, this was some kind of a big deal. Well, it is if you are out of work. Health care. The Federal Government helping to pay health care costs and health care insurance for those that have lost their insurance because of the loss of their jobs, since March. That is the right thing to do. If it is not taken up by the other body, it will not happen. Such things as accelerated depreciation and things that are going to bring about capital investment by the private sector are not going to happen unless this is taken up by the other body. And as a result there will be more layoffs. What we are trying to do is to stimulate the economy. This body has already passed a stimulus bill that has languished in the other body. They have seen fit not to take it up. We have tried to negotiate with them with a phantom bill, one they do not have; and we have failed and they have failed. Now is the time for us to pass this bill. Over 50 percent of it goes to individuals, not businesses. This is a bill that is compassionate, it cares, it stimulates the economy, and it does exactly what this body should do, and that is care about the unemployed and those who have lost their jobs. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing the Social Security Guarantee Plus Act of 2001 to save Social Security. I believe strongly that we can and will work in a bipartisan manner to save Social Security, provided we choose to legislate for the next generation, not the next election. Two-thirds of a century ago, Social Security's framers designed the program to meet certain promises for the American people: the promise of a safety net of financial security, the promise that all workers would be treated fairly, the promise that Social Security would be owned by workers, for workers, and a program that workers and their families could count on should they retire, suffer disability, or die. However our nation's current demographics and economics have changed, and Social Security's ability to continue meeting these promises is threatened. The Social Security Guarantee Plus Act I introduce today will enable Social Security to continue keeping its promises. First, through this plan, the Social Security safety net is fully preserved. Promised benefits, including cost of living increases, are guaranteed for those already receiving retirement, survivors, and disability benefits, those about to receive those benefits, and future generations. Second, the plan treats all workers fairly. Workers have paid into the system, it's their money, and we must protect and enhance their investment. It's not fair to workers to raise their payroll taxes or lower their benefits. Nor is it fair for the government to tell workers to work longer. I do not want to create another ``notch.'' That's why my plan does not raise taxes, does not lower benefits, and does not change the retirement age. Third, Social Security dollars belong to the workers that sent them here, therefore this plan gives workers a real ownership stake in the program by allowing workers to choose to receive a tax cut to invest directly in safe, individually-selected, market investments. A new nation of savers, not the government, will control their retirement security. Should an individual die before becoming eligible, the balance of their money will be passed along to their heirs. Fourth, under my plan, Social Security can be counted on for the next 75 years, and beyond. Real assets guarantee current and new expanded benefits, not Government IOUs, establishing a sound and sustainable financial footing. There will be no more need to increase taxes or lower benefits every few years to keep the program working. Beyond keeping these promises, we must do more to further improve Social Security for the women of our nation. Because of their longer life expectancies and lower earnings, women are more likely to suffer poverty in old age and therefore heavily depend on Social Security's vital safety net. In addition, because benefits are based on earnings, women are penalized when they choose to stay home to raise their children. The Guarantee Plus Plan increases protection for women, not only by securing the future of the current Social Security and guaranteeing full benefits, including cost-of-living adjustments, but also by enhancing benefits for widows, divorced spouses, and working mothers. These benefits become available immediately in my bill. Congressman Walter Jones (NC-03) said ``we, as members of Congress, have a duty to our seniors to ensure their retirement security will not be jeopardized.'' I couldn't agree more. Therefore, the bill includes a provision, similar to that introduced by my friend Walter Jones, where each beneficiary will receive a legally enforceable certificate guaranteeing his or her benefits. Here's how the Social Security Guarantee Plus Plan works. The plan guarantees full, promised, current law benefits for all workers, whether you are 6 or 65. Just as companies must back your pension plan with real assets, the Guarantee Plus Plan saves Social Security by setting aside real assets, not IOUs, to pre-fund benefits. These assets are saved in each worker's own account, thereby providing workers the opportunity to create real wealth for themselves and their families. Workers who choose to participate will receive a refundable credit of 2-3% of their earnings to establish their own Social Security Guarantee Account. Workers, not the government, would select where to invest their Guarantee Account funds. The assets in these accounts would grow tax-free. No withdrawals would be permitted until a worker starts receiving benefits to ensure that the money is preserved for retirement. At retirement or when the worker becomes disabled, a portion of the Guarantee Account is paid directly to the worker and the rest is used to help pay full, guaranteed Social Security benefits. But that's not all. My plan also includes much needed improvements in benefits for widows, divorced women, working women caring for young children, and women with work not covered under Social Security. My plan also eliminates the retirement earnings penalty for all workers age 62 and older. The Guarantee Plus Plan does all this and pays for itself over the seventy five-year actuarial period, and that's confirmed by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Actuary. Even under the most conservative estimates, the Guarantee Plus Plan allows the new Social Security system to generate surplus cash in the later part of the century, actually adding black ink to the government's bottom line. Other plans may cost less because they cut benefits or raise taxes. If your goal is to keep current benefits, boost women's benefits, and return Social Security to financial independence, The Guarantee Plus Plan is the lowest-cost proposal to date. My plan uses general revenues to fund the accounts. Even assuming borrowing for a transitional period, my plan pays back every borrowed dollar plus interest within the 75-year evaluation period. Not only do we pay off the mortgage on Social Security, we leave workers with substantial account balances and the federal government with excess cash. President Bush has shown true leadership by setting out principles for reform. The Guarantee Plus Plan meets or exceeds all of these principles. Principle #1: Modernization must not change Social Security benefits for retirees or near retirees. My plan exceeds this principle, because it preserves and guarantees benefits for all workers and retirees. In fact, my plan improves benefits for everybody. Principle #2: The entire Social Security surplus must be dedicated to Social Security only. For the first time available Social Security surpluses will be used to benefit Social Security directly. Principle #3: Social Security payroll taxes must not be increased. My plan does not ever raise payroll taxes. In fact, my plan creates long- term savings that could potentially allow a payroll tax decrease. Principle #4: The government must not invest Social Security funds in the stock market. My plan allows workers, not the government, to invest account contributions in safe, sound investment choices. Principle #5: Modernization must preserve Social Security's disability and survivors components. My plan does not alter Social Security disability and survivor benefits in any way, except to increase guaranteed benefits for survivors and to increase income security for individuals with disabilities, who keep 5% of their account in addition to full, guaranteed benefits. Principle #6: Modernization must include individually controlled, voluntary personal retirement accounts, which will augment the Social Security safety net. My plan provides workers all opportunity to voluntarily participate in personal accounts that they own and control without individual investment risk. These accounts ensure Social Security will be able to pay current law benefits for all workers for 75 years and beyond. The President also convened a bipartisan Commission to issue recommendations for strengthening and modernizing Social Security. Later this month, we will see the Commission's final report, and our nation will embark on further debate regarding the future of this great program. Just yesterday, the House overwhelmingly passed a resolution that summarized what actions we, as Members of Congress, should take in saving Social Security. This resolution clearly states that we should join with the President in saving Social Security as soon as possible. It also states that any plan to save Social Security should recognize the obstacles women face in securing financial stability at retirement, the critical role Social Security plays in preventing poverty and providing financial security for minorities. Finally, it states that any plan to save Social Security should guarantee current law promised benefits, including cost-of-living adjustments, for current and future retirees, and should not increase taxes. My plan accomplishes all these objectives. As the choices necessary to secure the future of Social Security become more clear in the coming weeks and months, I want America to know my choices for how to strengthen and improve Social Security for the next 75 years and beyond. I choose: No to privatizing; yes to securing Social Security as we know it. No to lowering benefits or increasing taxes; yes to benefit guarantees. No to more government IOUs; yes to real savings through voluntary personal savings accounts. No to government investment; yes to worker choice and worker- controlled investing in safe, market investments. No to program bankruptcy and burdening our children with debt into years unknown; yes to a solvent, debt-free Social Security program. Stepping up to the challenge and finding a solution is the ``American'' way; ignoring it is not. Those who truly want to keep Social Security's promises must do more than just stand on the sidelines--they must offer their own workable proposal to fix Social Security's finances. Those who only criticize the difficult and candid choices of people giving purposeful thought towards saving Social Security have no place in this serious debate. We must work together to build on the Success of the past to make a strengthened Social Security system an asset to all and not a liability to our children and grandchildren.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the subject of House Concurrent Resolution 282.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. If the gentleman would yield, I would like to correct his statement as to my statement. I said a repudiation of private accounts, not privatization. There is a big difference.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield on that?

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHAW. My colleague is once again right. Now is the time for us to act wisely and not overreact. Several excellent ideas have been put forth by both parties. A payroll tax holiday was not in the House passed bill. The Senate has never passed such a bill and should not, at any time, be used in a stimulus package passed by either body.

Mr. SHAW. I agree. Even if the lost payroll taxes were replaced with general revenue funds, we would be obscuring the clear connection between a person's contribution and the benefits he will receive. This is what President Roosevelt intended when he established Social Security and set up this separate trust fund. We should not take lightly the idea of breaking this critical connection, this firewall, if I may. Otherwise, we will find ourselves looking to the payroll system for every economic fix that we need.

Mr. SHAW. Not only would the employer be faced with employees trying to shift their wages to the payroll tax holiday month, employers would also have to contend with implementing a payroll tax holiday at the same time they are preparing W-2s and 1099s to meet the January 31 requirement as provided as a deadline. Having employers having to deal with these changes at once would only risk incorrect reporting of Social Security wages. It could only risk incorrect reporting of income for Federal tax purposes.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, as a former certified public accountant, I can assure my colleague that making such a change would dramatically increase the risk of error in reporting Social Security wages. These wage reports must be accurate in order to assure beneficiaries receive their full and correct benefits in a timely way. This is very important.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I, too, do not understand and was quite amazed and disappointed to see when this Senator was willing to ask Social Security to bear the burden of the economic stimulus, when the program is facing its own serious financial challenges.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 282) expressing the sense of Congress that the Social Security promise should be kept.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith), who has worked long and hard on the problem of trying to do something with Social Security. (Mr. SMITH of Michigan asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)