Newly-elected Congresswoman Virginia Foxx was the keynote speaker at the Iredell County Republican Party’s February 19 Reagan Day Dinner. The annual event, formerly known as the Lincoln Day Dinner, was re-named to honor Ronald Reagan after his passing last year.

Foxx praised the Republican leadership in Congress. Declaring that President Bush is committed to doing what he believes is right and is not afraid to take risks, she compared his leadership to that of Reagan and Lincoln.

As an example of his willingness to tackle tough problems, Foxx cited Bush’s efforts to reform the Social Security system. Although the system is safe for today’s seniors, it is in serious danger for future generations, she said. If the system is not reformed, a 30-year old worker will face a 27 per cent cut in benefits when he or she reaches normal retirement age.

Foxx said that a detailed plan was not yet on the table, but that she supported the concept of allowing workers who chose to do so to save part of their Social Security tax in a personal account. Such accounts would allow workers to accumulate a nest egg that the government cannot take away and that they can pass on to their children.

“The Democrats are absolutely desperate,” Foxx asserted. They will do everything they can to fight Social Security reform because they fear Republicans will reap the credit if a successful system of personal accounts is enacted.

Foxx, who has the reputation of being a tireless worker, has been off to a busy start her first few weeks in Congress. She was appointed to the Agricultural, Government Reform, and Education Committees. The first piece of legislation she co-sponsored was House Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner’s bill to crack down on illegal immigration.