Introductory remarks

[National Dialogue Moderator <moderator>]

For the last three years, I have made strengthening Social Security
one of my top priorities in Congress.  I have two simple reasons
for spending my time working on this issue: my two grandsons, Chase
and Cole. My goal on Social Security is to make Social Security as
strong for Chase and Cole as it has been for the generations that
have come before them.

Three years ago, Jim Kolbe asked me to join him to form Public
Pension Reform Caucus to begin the discussion in Congress.  This
is a bipartisan group of 75 Members divided between Republicans
and Democrats. We have spent our time educating ourselves and our
colleagues about the issues and challenges facing Social Security,
just as those of you participating in this forum are doing now.

Jim and I have tried to provide to demonstrate the type of centrist,
bipartisan approach to the substance and politics of Social Security
reform that will be necessary to reach a consensus.  Reaching an
agreement on Social Security will require tough choices and will
require all of us to accept some compromises, but I believe it can
be done.

I look forward to participating in this very useful and timely
dialogue.

Congressman Charlie Stenholm