Reid steps into Bush, Gore battle with attack on tax plan

WASHINGTON - Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., on Monday attacked Gov. George W. Bush's plans to cut taxes $2 trillion and privatize part of Social Security, saying they would destroy both Social Security and Medicare.

"George W. Bush's plans for Social Security and Medicare are a one-two punch that would knock out both of these important programs for future generations," said Reid, who is assistant Democratic leader in the Senate.

He said the Century Foundation study of Bush's privatization plan shows it would result in benefit cuts to seniors.

He said the Senate should consider Vice President Al Gore's proposal to create a "lock box" that takes the entire Medicare Part A surplus out of the budget debates. Under current law, he said that $21.5 billion Medicare surplus is part of the overall budget surplus and available to pay for tax cuts or spending.

"If we don't create a Medicare lock box and George Bush is elected president, he will raid Medicare to pay for his irresponsible tax cut," Reid said.