Sen Grassley doubtful re Soc Sec reform this year, might drop priv accts

[housewolf]

Grassley: No consensus on bill

The senator says he would consider dropping personal accounts from new Social
Security legislation.

By THOMAS BEAUMONT
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
June 4, 2005

Rockwell City, Ia. - U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley expressed doubt Friday about whether his committee will pass legislation this year to overhaul Social Security, which is President Bush's No. 1 domestic priority. "I don't even know if we're going to get a bill or not," the Iowa Republican and chairman of the Senate Finance Committee told about 50 Calhoun County residents during a meeting at the courthouse in Rockwell City.

But Grassley, whose committee oversees Social Security changes, also said he would be willing to drop a provision to allow individual investment accounts - Bush's pet issue - if it means getting a bill through the Senate.

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Democrats' refusal to join Republicans at the table to find a solution has prompted Grassley to say he's willing to "embarrass the Democrats into coming to the table." Grassley reiterated his frustration Friday that Democrats have failed to suggest solutions, although they have said during committee hearings that there are problems with Social Security.

Grassley himself has proposed no solutions, except to say that all options are in the mix, including raising taxes and cutting benefits.

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