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Pelosi Statement on 85th Anniversary of Social Security

August 14, 2020
Contact: Speaker's Press Office,
202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement marking the 85th anniversary of Social Security, which was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935:
"In the midst of the Great Depression, our nation made a fundamental promise that a lifetime of hard work would be met with the dignity and peace of mind of a secure retirement. For the past 85 years, Social Security has stood as a pillar of economic security and opportunity for millions of American families, whether in retirement, disability or following the death of a loved one.
"Despite its transformative impact on our economy and our society, Republicans have engaged in a relentless, reckless campaign to privatize Social Security, while further undermining bedrock health and financial protections for hard-working Americans. As the unprecedented coronavirus crisis exacts a staggering toll on the economic well-being of families with devastating consequences for their future financial stability, Social Security is more vital than ever. Yet, instead of joining Democrats to bring real relief to struggling families, President Trump produced a weak, unworkable set of executive actions that threaten to undermine Social Security, Medicare and other critical safety nets that millions of Americans rely on.
"House Democrats will always fight any special interest attempt at privatization and will continue to hold Republicans accountable for their dangerous assault on the health and financial security of hard-working families. On this anniversary, we recommit ourselves to protecting and strengthening Social Security and ensuring that the dignity of a secure retirement is available to every generation."
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