Democrats Emboldened by Senate Social Security Votes

WASHINGTON (AP)

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In one exception to the party divide, five Republicans broke ranks and voted with the Democrats in favor of a resolution declaring, "Congress should reject any Social Security plan that requires deep benefit cuts or a massive increase in debt."
Democrats argue that Bush cannot establish private investment accounts, his signature proposal for revamping the retirement program, without cutting benefits or adding to the federal budget deficit.

"They're nervous. They're worried. But their hands are tied as long as the president sticks to privatization," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

At a GOP fund-raising event Tuesday night, Bush urged Republicans to stick with his goal of overhauling Social Security. Even though a majority of Americans in recent polls say they don't agree with Bush's handling of Social Security, the president said he intends to see through his promise to make it a top priority of his second term.