CAPAC Members Celebrate 80th Anniversary of Social Security
Washington, D.C. – Today marks the 80th anniversary of the Social Security Act of 1935. In commemoration of this anniversary, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) issued the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“Eighty years ago today, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act, an important program that benefits millions nationwide. While Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are often viewed as the ‘model minority’ – a stereotype that views AAPIs as universally financially secure and highly educated – this is far from true. In fact, Social Security is a tremendous source of income for so many AAPI seniors. Almost one-third of married AAPI seniors and over half of unmarried AAPI seniors rely on Social Security for at least 90 percent of their income. For AAPI seniors and the millions of elderly nationwide, we must work towards preserving and strengthening Social Security to ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from this program for many years to come.”
Senator Mazie Hirono (HI):
“One in six Hawaii residents depends on Social Security to help pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads. This hard-earned benefit is the only source of income for 25% of our kupuna. While we celebrate Social Security’s 80th birthday, we must continue to protect and strengthen this program to ensure that it is also there for Americans for the next 80 years and beyond.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus:
“Social Security is one of the building blocks of our country and demonstrates our commitment to making sure older Americans have the comfort and security of safe and healthy living in their later years. We have a responsibility to make sure that Social Security benefits are available for generations to come, especially for Asian American and Pacific Islander people, as they have much higher life expectancies than the majority of the population. That is also why just a few weeks ago, I introduced a bill, the CPI-E Act of 2015, to make sure that cost-of-living adjustments for social security and federal retirement programs accurately take into account the unique expenses that seniors incur, including housing and health care. As we honor our longstanding commitment to taking care of all of our citizens, young or old, we must continue to take steps to ensure that our seniors can enjoy a safe, secure, and healthy life in their later years.”
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force Co-Chair:
“We take time this week to celebrate Social Security’s 80th anniversary, not simply because it has lasted for eight decades but because it has made a difference to so many American families, including communities of color. Along with disability and survivor earned benefits, Social Security provides virtually the only income for more than half of all single seniors who are Asian-American and Pacific Islander, allowing them to live in dignity. We must keep Social Security strong for future generations – making it better but never eroding its critical earned benefits.”
Congressman Xavier Becerra (CA-34):
"For 80 years, Social Security has stood strong and kept its promise to hard-working Americans to be there when they need it. Social Security has weathered 13 different recessions -- the last one pretty severe -- without missing a beat during those 80 years.
“Working Americans depend on Social Security. It's like a trusted member of the family. On its 80th anniversary, let's celebrate all that Social Security has meant to the American worker, and let's treat it like a member of the American family."
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):
“For eighty years, Social Security has been our most effective anti-poverty program, providing an essential lifeline to our seniors, children and the disabled. For millions of Americans, this earned benefit is the foundation of the financial security in retirement. Eight decades ago, our nation agreed that every senior should be able to retire with dignity and the assurance that they could put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. In the coming years, Congress must continue to protect this lifeline and ensure that every American can feel secure in their retirement.”
Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (OH-11):
“For 80 years, Social Security has provided older Americans with the support they deserve after years of hard work. It has been the most effective program to prevent seniors from living in poverty and for many, has become their sole source of income. Despite the need for this important program, Congress has struggled to find a solution to continue its funding. House Republicans passed a budget this year to privatize the program and cut its funding to dangerous levels. On this 80th Anniversary, let’s pledge to reverse these measures and protect this critical program. Future generations of Americans are depending on Social Security; we must not turn our back on them.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.