“ We must reform entitlements to have any hope of saving the programs not only for future generations but our current seniors as well. While we must keep our promises to Americans who have already retired or are near retirement, we should look at raising the retirement age for Social Security and also give those not near retirement an option to invest in a secure, private fund. For younger generations, Medicare should move to a premium-support model that is also means-tested so it can remain a safety-net for those who need it but also ease the pressures it puts on our budget. ”

“ I believe that Social Security personal accounts must be a vital part of any reform. I have supported Social Security personal accounts for more than a decade -- advocating for them across the country. Personal accounts are transformative -- they allow hard-working taxpayers to accumulate wealth that can be passed on to their children to start a business, buy a home, or get an education. Moreover, we can't run away from entitlement reform; there is no way to get serious about the deficit and debt without fundamental entitlement reform. ”