Not This Year: First Frist, Now Hagel

Washington, DC – Another Washington Republican has publicly admitted that Congress might not pass George W. Bush's plan to privatize Social Security anytime in the near future. Senator Chuck Hagel's acknowledgment comes a week after Republican Senate Leader Bill Frist expressed his own concerns about passing a bill within the next year. Both Senators have admitted the difficulties Congress faces due to the increased public opposition to Bush's plan to cut Social Security benefits.

TOO 'DIFFICULT' FOR THIS YEAR

"A Republican senator expected to play a leading role in the effort to enact changes to Social Security this year said the task will be difficult and legislation might not pass until next year or even beyond 2006. 'It doesn't need to be done this year,' said Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska." [Congress Daily AM, 3/8/05]