There's been a lot said about Social Security reform. What has been left out of the debate is the double tax on Social Security benefits. I believe it's time to get rid of a tax that punishes seniors and discourages work and retirement savings.

I will vote against any bill that takes Social Security tax dollars and diverts them to any other purpose than Social Security benefits.

The 1993 Social Security tax penalizes seniors who have planned for their retirement through savings, investment and hard work. That's wrong, and that's why the double tax on Social Security must end.

After the Democrats' obstructionist approach to Social Security reform, it is more difficult for them to claim the mantle of fiscal responsibility.

If we ever needed more of a reason not to do Social Security reform, this is it, because of the cost required. It's going to be a question of priorities, a question of whether Republicans are going to want to stand on the Senate floor and support more tax cuts for the wealthy.

I think the election of 2002 will be about Social Security reform. The situation is very polarized.