White House Reaffirms Support for Individual Accounts

October 28, 2002

A White House spokesman has strongly denied an anonymous quote that appeared in the Washington Post suggesting that the Bush administration was backing away from its support for allowing younger workers to invest a portion of their Social Security taxes through individual accounts. "We continue to work with Congress on this," said White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan. "The discussions are ongoing. It continues to be an important initiative and priority for the president. The president believes that this must be done." Buchan went on to point out, "clearly the system needs to be reformed for younger workers. We need to change the system for new retirees."

Other White House officials also reaffirmed the president's support for individual accounts, with one senior administration official telling the Washington Times that "[The Post story] is just not true." The administration has also been telling interest groups around Washington that it plans to seek a vote on Social Security reform next year. While chances for passing a major reform clearly would be enhanced if Republicans retake control of the Senate, some administration officials predict a push for individual accounts regardless of which party controls Congress.

2005 Index | 2004 Index
2003 Index | 2002 Index | 2001 Index
2000 Index | 1999 Index | 1998 Index