War on Terrorism Takes Top Priority in Congress

"The political war will cease. The war against terrorism [is] going to be the No. 1, 2 and 3 priority for the rest of the year."

Those words, spoken Sept. 12 by Sen. John B. Breaux, D-La., reflected the rare wave of political unity and agreement that swept Washington in the wake of the attack on America.

At the same time, they highlighted a common feeling among lawmakers that other issues—including those of importance to older Americans—will be put on the Capitol Hill back burner for the foreseeable future.

"The future of Social Security and the need for Medicare prescription drug coverage remain extremely important," said AARP Executive Director Bill Novelli, "but at this time the safety and security of the American people come first, and other matters will be put on hold until this national emergency is over."

Novelli called the bipartisan spirit that sprang up immediately after the terrorist disasters "inspiring" and expressed the hope it would carry over into consideration of other issues when normal times return.

The tragedy put an abrupt end to a controversy brewing around the national budget and the so-called Social Security lockbox.

When government estimates showed that the non-Social Security surplus was dwindling rapidly and suggested that this might require use of a small amount of the Social Security surplus, thus "breaching the lockbox," political quarreling broke out.

Although he pledged to preserve the lockbox, President Bush had said he would make an exception in case of war. His subsequent declaration that the terrorist acts constituted "an act of war" appeared to meet that condition.

Combined with emergency appropriations to deal with the disaster, it appeared to make certain that when government financial results for fiscal 2001 (which ended Sept. 30) are announced, some Social Security surplus money will be tapped.

Economists say, however, that this would have no significant effect on the economy or the budget.

In addition, economists and political leaders unanimously agree with the president that "definitely every Social Security recipient is going to get their check."

Analysts also say that whatever the 2001 budget outcome, the Social Security trust fund, which currently has a surplus over $1 trillion, will remain healthy for the foreseeable future.