House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) breaks ranks w/ *

[paineinthearse]

http://www.democrats.org/news/200505170001.html

May 17, 2005

Chairman Thomas Defies Bush On Private Accounts

Washington, DC - Yesterday, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas (R-CA) broke ranks with the President and the Republican Leadership in Congress when he announced that President Bush's private accounts would not necessarily be included in his committee's Social Security legislation. This move came despite President Bush's repeated remarks that his accounts should be the centerpiece of any privatization plan.

"We applaud Chairman Thomas for acknowledging what the President would not, that private accounts don't solve the problem of long term solvency," said DNC spokesperson Josh Earnest. "Bush's plan for private accounts would slash benefits, add trillions to our national debt and hurt the solvency of the system. Democrats are committed to working with Republicans to find a real solution to strengthen Social Security."

Ways and Means Committee Chairman Thomas: Bush's Private Accounts Not Necessary. "The California Republican said a broad bill that would make Americans secure in retirement is more important than any particular provision, even the investment accounts Bush wants. Bush announced his support for the accounts in his State of the Union address in February and has traveled the country to stump for them. Speaking to reporters and editors from USA TODAY and Gannett News Service, Thomas said the accounts should not be the major focus of the debate on fixing Social Security."

President Bush: Accounts are Essential. "I feel strongly that there needs to be voluntary personal savings accounts as a part of the Social Security system. I mean, it's got to be a part of a comprehensive package."

edited typo

[snowbear]

1. Hmmm.. I dunno..

If you check the sites that keep an eye out on him (Bill Thomas) he sure doesn't seem like someone who has the public's best interest in mind...

From reading this site, sounds like he's wheeling and dealing for the Insurance companies? http://villagenews.weblogger.com/billThomas

If he strayed in the past few days and really changed his ways, good for him.. According to the people in California that keep tabs on him though, he doesn't sound like someone who would oppose anything his leader puts forth.. :shrug:

[liberalnurse]

2. I still think of him as the

"Fruitcake".......