Neal Marks 90 Years of Social Security

SPRINGFIELD, MA— Ahead of the 90 th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt signing the Social Security Act into law on August 14, 1935, Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement on the sacred promise of Social Security: “90 years ago, America made a promise. From the dais of the Ways and Means Committee to the stroke of FDR’s pen, Social Security was created to ensure no American would be left to face old age alone. For generations, it has protected seniors from poverty after a lifetime of work, given families a source of stability in their darkest hours, and offered peace of mind to millions. “But this momentous anniversary is not just a celebration. It comes as Social Security is under attack like never before. Under President Trump, a DOGE-manufactured crisis has gutted staff, shuttered offices, slashed services, and put the American people’s most sensitive personal data at risk. Now, his signature legislation has taken half a year off the program’s solvency. Their attacks won’t end here. Republicans are openly plotting to hand Social Security over to Wall Street. Trump’s Treasury Secretary said it out loud: their ultimate goal is privatization. “Democrats will not let that happen. For 90 years, we have defended, protected, and expanded Social Security. For the seniors who played by the rules, the people with disabilities, the children and families in need, and the generations of Americans to come, we will fight and win. This is a promise America made, and while Republicans look to break it, we’re going to keep it.” ###