(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Sen. David Vitter announced details of a new bill to protect and strengthen the Social Security Trust Fund, “The Social Security Lock Box Act of 2005,” which he introduced today in the U.S. Senate.

            “Social Security provides a critical foundation of income for retired and disabled workers. We need to make sure that funding from the Social Security Trust Fund is never used to pay for other government programs,” said Vitter. “This legislation will create a ‘lock box’ to help make certain that the surpluses from the Social Security Trust Fund are separate from the rest of the federal budget.”

            Vitter’s legislation is designed to prevent the surpluses of the Social Security Trust Fund from being used for any purpose other than providing retirement security. This bill would limit the ability of any Congress or any president from funding other portions of the federal government with Social Security Trust Fund money.

            “We have to keep the promise of Social Security and present Louisiana seniors – now and in the future – with the security and peace of mind they deserve,” said Vitter. “This bill will help fulfill a promise I made to the people of Louisiana, to help keep the Social Security Trust Fund from being raided to fund other programs.”

            The Social Security Lock Box Act of 2005 has been referred to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee.