WASHINGTON, DC - House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today commemorating the 72nd anniversary of the Social Security program's inception:

"Seventy-two years ago today, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, and with the stroke of his pen recognized the generational compact that to this day is strongly supported by the American people.  Simply stated, Social Security has been the most successful government program in our nation's history, offering our seniors the dignity and financial security needed to maintain their independence and keeping millions out of poverty.

"Social Security also has offered assistance to disabled Americans and children who lose a parent, giving them a more secure future.

"In order to keep Social Security successful in the future, Democrats remain committed to finding sensible solutions that address the program's long-term challenges.  We hope that Republicans will join Democrats to modernize Social Security in a bipartisan way so that it may continue to benefit future generations of Americans."

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