Last night, President Clinton demonstrated decisive leadership on an issue of great importance to the American people--the long-term fiscal health of the Social Security program.

For over 60 years, the Social Security program has been the most successful domestic government program, providing economic protection for Americans of all ages. Throughout the past six decades, the Social Security program has been a part of the fabric of this Nation. It has been instrumental in reducing poverty for the elderly and protecting American families after the death or disability of a breadwinner.

Demographic changes confronting our Nation require the need for reforms in the Social Security program. As the President stated, the time to act is now--the budget has been balanced, the economy is strong, and our fiscal discipline provides us with the opportunity to ensure economic security for future generations of retirees.

As the President said, we must educate Americans about Social Security and the issues that face it. Americans must understand the Social Security program of today, so they can make informed choices about the Social Security program of tomorrow. Critical discussions about Social Security must take place in family living rooms all across the country.

We have a moral obligation to future generations to strengthen America's retirement system.

President Clinton's leadership, which was instrumental in balancing the budget and strengthening the economy, will now be crucial in ensuring that the Social Security program will be strengthened and continue to meet the needs of future generations of Americans.

As the number one domestic program in the Nation's history, it is only fitting that Social Security come first in any discussion of how to responsibly use any projected budget surplus. Social Security is too important to Americans of all ages to not come first. I strongly agree with the President that the American people must understand the Social Security program of today in order to help shape it to meet the needs of the American people tomorrow. Critical discussions about Social Security must take place in family living rooms across the country with people of all ages.