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Congressman Cohen Marks 83rd Anniversary of Social Security

August 14, 2018

Says it is the backbone of the safety net for senior citizens

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) marked the 83rd anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signing the Social Security Act into law on Tuesday and made the following statement:

"When Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act creating old-age pensions and unemployment insurance, critics, including many Republicans, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the American Bar Association, called it ‘socialism.' Eighty-three years later, it is the cornerstone of our country's commitment to seeing that our senior citizens and those who cannot work live out their retirements in dignity and secure financial confidence.

"In recent years, we have defeated efforts to erode Social Security benefits or privatize hard-earned investments in our future, but aggressive efforts to push these risky ideas are still circulating and we must remain vigilant. I am committed to making Social Security -- the backbone of the safety net for our senior citizens and families -- as well as Medicare and Medicaid, stronger and to assuring their permanence."