(BISMARCK, N.D.) — Representative Rick Berg attempted to have the ad “Sly One” pulled from airwaves stating the claims that he voted to privatize Social Security to be ‘indisputably inaccurate.’
However, TV stations refused to pull the ad because in 2005, Rep. Berg introduced and spoke on behalf of HCR 3030, which urged Congress to pass then President George Bush’s plan to privatize Social Security.
“Rep. Berg is trying to run away from his record of not supporting North Dakota Seniors, but he cannot run away from the fact that he twice voted in favor of privatizing Social Security,” said Alison Kelly, spokeswoman for the Dem-NPL. “Not only is Rep. Berg in favor of privatization, he has twice voted to cut Medicare benefits by standing beside Rep. Paul Ryan and his budget, votes that mean North Dakotans would pay $6,400 more for Medicare benefits.”
2005: Berg Voted Against Resolution Urging President, Congress Not to Privatize Social Security. In 2005, Berg voted against HCR3030, a resolution urging the President and Congress to maintain the stability of the federal Social Security system and to forego any effort to privatize any aspect of the federal Social Security system. [HCR3030, failed 25-59, 3/3/05]
· 2005: Berg Introduced Resolution Urging Congress To Pass Bush’s Plan To Privatize Social Security Privatization. In March 2005, Representative Berg introduced House Concurrent Resolution No. 3056, which urged “the President and Congress to reform and strengthen the Social Security system in order to ensure its viability for future generations.” According to the resolution, “the President favors voluntary personal accounts as part of a comprehensive solution to give younger workers the option to set aside a portion of their payroll taxes in an account they own and control.” The resolution urged Congress and President Bush to reform Social Security. [House Measure No. 3056, 3/3/05]
· 2005: Berg Spoke in Support of Privatization Resolution. According to meeting minutes of the House Standing Committee, Berg testified in support of HCR3056: “The bill before you is a resolution that really is addressing social security; and obviously we know that’s not something that we deal with directly, but having said that, we have one of the most aging populations in the country. I think there is becoming a stronger awareness that a) we have a problem and b) we need to start thinking about what solutions are to the problem. …We’re really saying to the President and Congress to reform and strengthen the social security system in order to ensure its viability for future generations. …The federal government has personal savings accounts for many of the federal employees that put money aside for retirement, and I think it is time for Congress to look at this for individuals. Not to mandate them, but to give them an option, if they want to try to put some of their money in a personal account, that they in fact could do that.” [House Standing Committee meeting minutes, 3/2/05]
Forum: “Proposals To Use Private Accounts For Social Security Are Often Referred To As ‘Privatizing’ The Program.” According to the Fargo Forum: “When Berg was a Fargo legislator and the state House majority leader in 2005, he introduced and voted for a resolution that formally supported Congress’ efforts to reform Social Security. The resolution specifically endorsed then-President George W. Bush’s plan for ‘voluntary private accounts.’ Proposals to use private accounts for Social Security are often referred to as ‘privatizing’ the program.” [Fargo Forum, 8/25/12]