The cut was applied to the congressional pay increases. That .38 percent is our guarantee that the Social Security surplus will be protected. The budget re-authorizes Trade Adjustment Assistance for an additional two years. The program lends a helping hand through unemployment benefits and job training to workers injured by the impact of foreign trade. It has been re-authorized through Sept. 2001.
Education is the key to the future.
We must take strides to ensure that those future leaders do not go deep into debt trying to get that education. With a projected budget surplus, there is no reason to touch the Social Security Trust Fund, after all this is the largest surplus in 45 years. This common sense fiscal policy strengthens the government s finances and allows us to work on paying down the national debt. Security Blue fixes approved Seniors will reap the rewards of this legislation included in Thursday s budget because it increases their access to rehabilitative therapy, cancer-fighting drugs and other vital programs. This legislation also increases payments for hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies and managed care plan so that they can continue to serve seniors while keeping their costs down.