National Journal: Republicans Could Push Social Security Reform Next Year

October 22, 2002

According to an analysis in the October 19 edition of the National Journal, Republican insiders are suggesting that the GOP may move forward with proposals to reform Social Security next year. Those reform proposals are certain to include plans to allow younger workers to invest a portion of their Social Security taxes through individual accounts.

"We can draft a bill that meets the policy tests and protects current beneficiaries," Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan, a key member of the Ways and Means Committee, told the Journal.

Outside observers agree. Robert Blendon of Harvard University, a long-time observer of Congress, told the Journal that individual accounts remain on the Republican agenda. "It is something they want to do… if Republicans end up with both houses, even though seniors have anxiety, they will say [opposition to personal accounts] has no salience in the election."

In addition to the fall election outcome, the key to whether individual accounts pass next year hinges on White House involvement. President Bush has shown a remarkable ability to get what he wants from Congress if he makes it a priority. The question will be how much political capital he is willing to spend in pursuit of an issue that he has long championed. As Ryan notes, "If the President wants it, he will have to work hard, and he will need guts."

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