March 02,2000

Roth Urges Lott to Schedule Senate Vote on Social Security Earnings Limit Bill

WASHINGTON -- Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. (R-DE) today urged quick Senate action on H.R 5, the "Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2000", legislation that would repeal the Social Security earnings limit for seniors age 65 - 69. Yesterday, the House gave unanimous approval to the legislation. Currently, Social Security beneficiaries between 65 and 69 have their Social Security benefits reduced by $1 for every $3 in earnings over $17,000.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman William V. Roth, Jr. (R-DE) today released the following statement regarding Senate action on this bill:

"As a long-time advocate of abolishing the Social Security earnings limit, I was delighted with the unanimous action by the House yesterday in passing legislation to abolish the Social Security earnings limit.

"Now is the time for the Senate to act -- without delay. The President said he will promptly sign a clean bill, and I intend to send him one. I have asked Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott to schedule the bill for full Senate action next week.

"Abolishing the earnings limit is the first step in preparing Social Security for the 21st century. I am very pleased we will shortly take this first step in Social Security reform."