Hillary Clinton on Social Security

Summary

Hillary Clinton stated during the 2008 campaign that social security was not in a crisis. She noted that the program was projected to be solvent for several decades, and claimed that any assertions that the program was in trouble were Republican talking points. She steadfastly opposed attempts to privatize social security by allowing people to control and direct their own funds in their own accounts.

While admitting that she was purposely not answering questions on how she would fix social security, Senator Clinton stated during the campaign that she would form a bipartisan commission to determine the proper solutions. She stated that she would not put forth solutions when conditions may change between the proposal of those solutions and assuming office.

Numerous times during the election, Senator Clinton stated that she opposed lifting the cap on income for social security taxes. She did state one time that she would consider a tax gap, where no one would pay social security taxes on income between $97,000 and $200,000.

 

The Drexel Debate

In October of 2007, Senator Clinton was asked about her views on social security during the Presidential debate at Drexel university. She stated that she opposed privatization, and was challenged on the solvency and condition of the system.

 

Campaign Event - Social Security Question

In November of 2007, Senator Clinton was asked about social security solvency at a campaign event. She reiterated the need for fiscal responsibility and a commission to investigate solutions.

 

A Tax Gap

In October of 2007, Senator Clinton was asked about social security and the possibility of removing the cap on the amount of income that someone pays social security taxes on. She stated that she was opposed to that in general, but would consider a tax gap where no taxes were collected on income between a certain range. The conversation was reported by MSNBC.

Afterward Bowman approached Clinton so he could pose for a photo with her, introduce her to his children and discuss the issue further.

No taxes on income

She told him she didn't want to put an additional tax burden on the middle class but would consider a "gap," with no Social Security taxes on income from $97,500 to around $200,000. Anything above that could be taxed.

 

Sun-Sentinel Interview

In November of 2007, Senator Clinton was interviewed by the Sun-Sentinel and asked about what she would do to fix social security. She notes that fiscal responsibility is the main problem to be addressed, and that she opposes lifting the tax cap.

 

Las Vegas Debate

In the Las Vegas Debate, Senator Clinton again reiterated her belief that repealing the tax cap would be burdensome and that fiscal responsibility was the answer to fixing social security.

 

Voting Record

Amendment - Social Security Reserve Fund

In 2007, congress attempted to pass an amendment to create a reserve fund for social security. This action was prompted by the increasing awareness that the Social Security program may not be financially solvent in the near future. Opponents claimed that the move was an end-around method to privatize social security. The amendment was largely supported by Republicans and largely opposed by Democrats. The amendment failed in a 45-52 vote. Hillary Clinton voted against the amendment to create a reserve fund for social security.

 

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

Session-110; Bill Number-S 206; Social Security Fairness Act of 2007 - Cosponsor

A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to repeal the Government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions.

Session-109; Bill Number-S Res 551; Social Security and Illegal Immigrants - Cosponsor

Expresses the sense of the Senate that illegal immigrants should not receive Social Security benefits and that this prohibition should be strictly enforced.

References

[1] Website: MSNBC Article: Clinton weighs Social Security tax 'gap' Author: AP Accessed on: 01/23/2011

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