"Congress should reject any Social Security plan that requires deep benefit cuts or a massive increase in debt."
GLEN JOHNSON, AP
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 E. Schumer of New York, the top Democratic spokesman on the issue in the Senate.
The vote on the resolution, offered by Sen. Bill Nelson D-Fla., was 50-50, with Republicans Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Mike DeWine of Ohio, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania joining with the chamber's Democratic minority. Roll Call
Daily Kos has more
Update: As noted in the comments, the GOP (with five exceptions) just voted for deep social security cuts and massive debt. Start cutting the ads!
Kevin Drum has his take here
This is how the game is played, folks. More like it, please.
