Text of Letter from Sen Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rep. Charlie Stenholm (D-TX), and Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) On Social Security Political Attacks
Posted 7/21/2003

Sign-on letter to Sens. Allen and Corzine, Reps. Reynolds and Matsui:

 

Circulated by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Rep. Charlie Stenholm (D-TX) and Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ)

 

We believe that strengthening Social Security is one of our most important domestic policy priorities. The long-term financial outlook of Social Security is deteriorating and, absent structural reforms, it will impose an unsustainable financial burden on today’s workers and future generations.

 

The white-hot rhetoric surrounding Social Security modernization is creating an environment that punishes those who discuss reform options openly and honestly. The American people deserve a modernized Social Security system that provides true retirement security for all Americans, while reducing the pressure on future taxpayers and on other budgetary priorities.

 

This goal will only be achieved if we make a commitment to discuss the need for Social Security reform candidly. Unfortunately, this has not always been in the case.  Social Security has often been used as a weapon to achieve short term political goals. Indeed, both parties seemingly compete to outbid each other in ruling out options for restoring the fiscal health of Social Security.  It is time for the demagoguery to stop.

 

To this end, we pledge to defend candidates – Republican or Democrat – who support Social Security modernization and are willing to make tough choices to address the fiscal challenges facing Social Security. We will no longer turn a blind eye to political attack ads that accuse responsible reform advocates of wanting to dismantle Social Security or slash benefits of current retirees. These attacks are untruthful and poison the bipartisan cooperation that will be required to enact the necessary reforms.

 

In 2000, then-candidate Bush said, “Too many times, Social Security has been demagogued to frighten the elderly for political advantage. Too many candidates have traded on the problems of the system instead of correcting them, shoving them off for others to handle -- to some future generation, some other president and some other Congress.”

 

We agree. It is time for this Congress and this President to solve the problems plaguing Social Security. Inaction is no longer an option. The longer we wait to tackle the necessary reforms, the harder the task becomes. 

 

Although we all come from different political backgrounds and ideologies, and we have different ideas on how to modernize Social Security, we are proud to stand together in this effort to address Social Security and we encourage others to join us.

[Signed]
Senator Linsey Graham (R-SC)
Representative Charlie Stenholm (D-TX)
Representative Jim Kolbe (R-AZ)

Senator John Breaux (D-LA)
Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ)
Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA)
Representative John Tanner (D-TN)
Representative Collin Peterson (D-MN)
Representative Gene Taylor (D-MS)
Representative Ed Case (D-HI)
Representative Lincoln Davis (D-TN)
Representative Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
Representative Nick Smith (R-MI)