Pallone Statement on 80th Anniversary of Social Security

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) today made the following statement to mark the 80th anniversary of the Social Security Act being signed into law.

“In the 80 years since President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law in 1935, the program transformed our country – enabling seniors to retire with dignity, disabled workers and their families to support themselves and families who lost a loved one to live securely. Today we celebrate Social Security and its promise between generations that now lifts 22 million Americans out of poverty.

“However, in the face of repeated threats from Congressional Republicans to break this promise, we must also use this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment. Currently, House Republican leadership is holding up a proposal to reallocate funds within the program and extend its life – as has been done on a bipartisan basis many times before. This roadblock threatens to put Social Security’s safety net in jeopardy for 11 million disabled Americans, including 232,000 New Jersey residents. I will continue to fight obstruction like this, and work tirelessly to protect and strengthen this critical program in the near-term and for future generations.”