Ronald Reagan

Accepting the Republican Nomination for President, 1980

It is essential that we maintain both the forward momentum of economic growth and the strength of the safety net beneath those in society who need help. We also believe it is essential that the integrity of all aspects of Social Security are preserved.

Announcing the Commission on Social Security Reform, 1981

As a candidate in 1980 I pledged that I would do my utmost to restore the integrity of social security and do so without penalty to those dependent on that program. I have honored that pledge and will continue to do so. We cannot and we will not betray people entitled to social security benefits...

For too long, too many people dependent on social security have been cruelly frightened by individuals seeking political gain through demagoguery and outright falsehood, and this must stop. The future of social security is much too important to be used as a political football.

Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Social Security System --May 21, 1981

"--First, this nation must preserve the integrity of the Social Security trust fund and the basic benefit structure that protects older Americans.

--Second, we must hold down the tax burden on the workers who support Social Security.

--Finally, we must eliminate all abuses in the system that can rob the elderly of their rightful legacy.

Re-election Campaign 1984

And we can look, now, ahead into the future for another half a century, and as far as we can see Social Security is on a solid footing. But all through all of that discussion I made it plain that I would never hold still for any change in Social Security that pulled the rug out from the people that were depending on it or from those who are looking forward in the next several years to going on Social Security.

So, I can make that pledge. And I've said repeatedly that the President should never say never, but I will never hold still for, as I say, pulling the rug out from those people that are dependent on that progam.