The 2001 President's Commission to Strengthen Social Security

On May 2, 2001 President Bush announced establishment of a bipartisan, 16-member Commission "to study and report … specific recommendations to preserve Social Security for seniors while building wealth for younger Americans."

Guiding Principles:

The Commission was asked to make recommendations to modernize and restore fiscal soundness to Social Security, using six guiding principles:

1. Modernization must not change Social Security benefits for retirees or near-retirees.
2. The entire Social Security surplus must be dedicated only to Social Security.
3. Social Security payroll taxes must not be increased.
4. The government must not invest Social Security funds in the stock market.
5. Modernization must preserve Social Security`s disability and survivors insurance programs.
6. Modernization must include individually controlled, voluntary personal retirement accounts, which will augment Social Security.

Public hearings began on June 11. An interim report, describing the challenges facing the Social Security system, was issued, followed by a final report with specific reform recommendations.

Charter

President Bush's Announcement of Commission

Members of the Commission

Contact Information During Commission's Existence

Meetings:

• Transcripts
• Minutes

Public Hearings:

• Witnesses at San Diego Hearing
• Other Witness Testimony

Federal Register Notices

Commission Reports