WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada Wednesday sharply criticized President Bush's plans to revamp Social Security as "dangerous."
Reid, along with his house counterpart Nancy Pelosi of California, delivered the Democratic response to Bush's State of the Union address.
"Let me share with you why I believe the President's plan is so dangerous," Reid said. "There's a lot we can do to improve American's retirement security, but it's wrong to replace the guaranteed benefit that Americans have earned with a guaranteed benefit cut of 40 percent or more. Make no mistake, that's exactly what President Bush is proposing.
"The Bush plan would take our already record high $4.3 trillion national debt and put us another $2 trillion in the red. That's an immoral burden to place on the backs of the next generation."
Reid likened Bush's proposal to roulette. Reid, who noted he represents Las Vegas, said there's no reason to take "Social Security's guarantee and gambling with it."
Reid also touched on other domestic issues, including the federal debt, the need for job creation and the need for affordable healthcare.
