Sununu Says He Filed Bill To Spur Debate

Plan Would Require Investment In Private Accounts

October 16, 2002

CONCORD, N.H. -- Republican John Sununu says he co-sponsored a bill requiring people under age 55 to invest part of their Social Security taxes in private investment accounts to encourage debate.

Despite signing onto the bill, Sununu said he actually supports voluntary investments for younger workers and does not support changing benefits for anyone who is retired now or who will retire in the next 20 years.

He said the bill wasn't perfect but people shouldn't be afraid of ideas aimed at modernizing and strengthening Social Security.

The pro-Democratic Campaign for America's Future -- which opposes privatizing Social Security -- criticized Sununu Tuesday for saying he's for voluntary investments when he co-sponsored legislation making it mandatory.

Democrat Jeanne Shaheen opposes privatizing Social Security.