Congressman Vows to Protect Program; Denounces Ryan Privatization Scheme
Dearborn, MI – Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) will mark the 75th anniversary of Social Security with call for a renewed commitment to protect the program. With Congressman John Dingell, Sr. looking on, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the bill creating Social Security on August 14, 1935. The current Congressman’s father is considered one of the architects of the program, which has helped millions of Americans live with dignity and protection from destitution in their later years.
“My dad considered Social Security one of his greatest accomplishments and I think history has proved him right,” Dingell said. “We all know that the boomers will be coming into the program and the challenges that presents, but it’s not like it was easy to get the program started during the Great Depression either. If we could do it then, we can keep Social Security going now – and we don’t need things like Republican privatization schemes, such as the Ryan plan, to keep it alive.”
The Congressman is referring to the proposal by Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI01) that has the support Republican Members and candidates. His proposal would allow Social Security savings to be invested in the stock market. Under Ryan’s plan, Social Security would be put at risk, subject to the whims of Wall Street bankers.
“This happened when my dad fought for the program and it has continued ever since – the Republicans push plans designed to scare Americans into killing the program. If these guys did the weather, we’d never go outside without umbrellas. They don’t tell you that the program is funded until 2037. They don’t tell you that the first boomers have already made their contributions in full and will get them back – as they should. And they don’t tell you their schemes would actually jeopardize folks’ hard earned savings.”
The Congressman will discuss Social Security and other matters concerning seniors Monday, August 16 at 10am during the 23rd District Senior Summit at the Flat Rock Community Center.
Who: Congressman John D. Dingell
What: Discussion on Social Security and issues concerning Seniors at the 23rd District Senior Summit
Where: Flat Rock Community Center, 1 Maguire Street, Flat Rock, MI
When: The breakfast starts at 9:30. Remarks are scheduled to begin at 10am
For more on Republicans’ comments on Social Security, please read: Social Security at 75: the Latest Republican Assault.
President Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act, on August 14, 1935. Standing behind Roosevelt: Rep. Robert Doughton (D-NC); unknown person in shadow; Sen. Robert Wagner (D-NY); Rep. John Dingell (D-MI); unknown man in bowtie; the Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins; Sen. Pat Harrison (D-MS); and Rep. David Lewis (D-MD).
