This is a stacked, completely orchestrated effort to come to a desired result,'' said Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle. By 2016, Social Security is expected to start paying out more than it collects because of an influx of baby boom retirees. The fund will run out of cash after 2038. Bush has proposed salvaging the program by letting younger workers voluntarily invest some of their payroll taxes in private accounts. Supporters say the stock market will provide a much greater return over time.
Opponents point to recent stock market volatility as ammunition.
They also argue the private accounts would drain too much money from the program. ''After the last six months in the stock market I am shocked that the president would really be trying to move forward with this proposal,'' House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt said.