Representative Charles A. Gonzalez, Texas, 20th District:

Social Security is one of the most successful government programs ever created in this country. It ensures that America's seniors can retire with the dignity everyone deserves. Any changes to such a vital and still vibrant program must be most carefully thought out.

Above all, we must continue to preserve the universal nature of the program so that Social Security provides a financial safety net for all Americans. We must ensure Social Security's long-term solvency and not put the Trust Fund at undue financial risk by irresponsibly dipping into the fund for other purposes. We must ensure that Social Security continues to provide a basic benefit people can count on regardless of the ups and downs of the economy or the financial markets.

These are the standards I will be using in reviewing every proposal to reform Social Security. As appealing as schemes like the creation of personal savings accounts sound, they could erode the social insurance that is the fundamental principle of the system. There are plenty of ways for people to invest for their retirement, from private pensions to personal stock purchases. Social Security must remain the safety net, covering all those in need, whether their investments failed to provide the hoped for return or because they never earned enough to invest at all.

That's where I stand on Social Security. I hope that I have reassured you of my sincere respect for the program and of my intention to safeguard it for future generations. I hope, too, that you will always feel free to write me on any topic that concerns us.

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