Feature

Friday, November 11, 2011

Statement by President Clinton on Senate Vote Ending Earnings Cap on Social Security (3/23/00)

Statement by the President: Retirement Earnings
To: National Desk
Contact: White House Press Office, 202-456-2100

WASHINGTON, March 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The following statement
from President Clinton was released today by the White House:

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I am pleased that the Senate has followed the House in passing a
measure to eliminate the retirement earnings test for seniors. In my
1999 State of the Union Address, I asked Congress to work with me to
end this confusing and outdated policy that discourages healthy
senior citizens from continuing to work past 65 if they choose to do
so. I look forward to opening a new era of opportunity for older
Americans by signing this measure into law.

Eliminating the earnings limit is an important first step in
undertaking comprehensive Social Security reform this year. The work
on the retirement earnings test shows that Congress can work together
to further the people's business. We should build on this bipartisan
spirit to make further progress on Social Security. Last fall, I sent
Congress legislation that would use the benefits of debt reduction to
extend the life of Social Security to the middle of the next century.
Today, I call on Congress to work with me on this simple plan to
extend the solvency of Social Security while strengthening benefits
to reduce poverty among elderly women.