The last we heard from House Republicans, the caucus was itching to take the leap on Social Security privatization. Though the original plan was to wait for the Senate to take up the issue — the House didn’t want to stick its neck out on this if legislation would just get stuck in the Senate anyway — but conservatives were getting anxious and were no longer willing to wait.
Some House Republicans are asking their leaders for a shift in Social Security strategy, arguing that the House should move first on legislation that creates private accounts, instead of waiting for action from the Senate, where Republican leaders are unsure they can pass such a bill.
“At least among my conservatives, there is a growing sense that the House should lead on creating a version of Social Security reform that reflects Republican priorities,” said Rep. Mike Pence, Indiana Republican and chairman of the Republican Study Committee.
“We’re pressing our leaders,” said Rep. Joe Pitts, Pennsylvania Republican. “Some of us feel we should go ahead and move on it and not wait for the Senate.”
That was late-April. Are House Republicans still raring to go on privatization? Not so much.
House Republican leaders are aiming to pass many bills this summer, but Social Security reform is not one of them.
In an e-mail sent to GOP aides and lobbyists late last week, House Majority Whip Roy Blunt’s (R-Mo.) office outlined its list of “priority legislation” on the post-Memorial Day calendar. The list includes gun-manufacturer liability, postal reform and the Central America Free Trade Agreement. Social Security reform was notably absent from the detailed list of legislative items.
So much for taking the leap.
I often marvel at the Republicans’ ability to think strategically when laying out an agenda, but if there’s any wisdom to this plan, it’s hiding well.
First, it effectively pushes off Social Security in the House until 2006 — which, if memory serves, happens to be an election year.
Second, it puts provocative legislation that a lot of the country will hate on the front burner for the rest of 2005. Gun-manufacturer liability legislation? That’s a ridiculous give-away to the NRA and gun industry that would prohibit lawsuits — no matter how warranted — against firearms manufacturers. Then there’s the Central America Free Trade Agreement, which will only be the year’s biggest labor fight. Postal reform? Yeah, that’s a vote-getter.
Congress’ approval rating is already at its lowest point in a decade. Maybe it can get a little worse?