CSE Salutes Senate for Debate on Social Security

Congress is finally talking about one of the most important issues facing our country: the future of Social Security.

Tonight, in an unusual development, four U.S. Senators will square off in an organized policy debate on the Senate floor.

The topic: the looming Social Security crisis, and the potential of Personal Retirement Accounts.

The debate is planned after the last Senate vote, at approximately 7 PM Eastern. You can watch it live on CSPAN-2.

U.S. Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, promises a real debate, saying that this “..is an opportunity for us to rise above 30-second sound bites for a true give-and-take on important issues in a way that the Founders might have envisioned. Rather than watching scripted speeches read to a mostly empty chamber, the American people will have a chance to hear strong, but civil disagreements and maybe, on occasion, find areas where our parties agree.”

The debate will begin with comments from Kyl and U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), chairman of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee.

Following their comments, the gloves come off. Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and John Sununu (R-NH) will represent the Republicans, while Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ) will represent the Democrats.

Senator Rick Santorum, chairman of the Republican Conference, said: “We must work together to put Social Security on solid financial and actuarial footing for the next century and beyond, and one key element of these efforts ought to include setting aside genuine savings to fund Social Security’s obligations through personal accounts. Not only can personal accounts be a vehicle for real funding of Social Security benefits, but their creation would enable all Americans to build what Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan called ‘a measure of wealth … an estate.'”

Senator John Sununu (R-NH) added: “This will be a great chance to bring more than just sound bites to the floor of the Senate. No issue is more important to the future of America’s retirement security system. We simply cannot leave the challenge of Social Security reform to future generations, future Congresses, or future presidents.”

It’s great that the Senate is taking this on. You can add your voice to this debate, too. Use this link to let your elected representatives know you support personal accounts.

Please take action, and then tune in and check out the debate tonight!