In 2001, the Bush Tax Cuts caused a situation where it was thought 'expedient' to dip into the Social Security Trust Fund to basically pay for it. It should not be factored into any debt limit discussions, and needs to be in a 'lock box' to prevent it from being pilfered by special political interests. We pay into this trust fund with our FICA taxes, and it needs to be protected.
In the case of any government shutdown, these funds will still need to be paid to retirees and the disabled who qualify for their meager income. This money needs to be 'off budget' and Congress must not be able to pilfer it to pay down the deficit. We, the undersigned, urge our government to protect these assets in order for Social Security to remain solvent for generations to come.