“Lawmakers are preparing to get serious about the long-term solvency of America’s Social Security and Medicare programs — but not until the next Congress convenes. The latest annual report on the prospects for Social Security and Medicare projects a $42.9 trillion shortfall over the next 75 years, at current levels of benefits and taxation. The message Congress is taking away from the report is that there’s still time to build bipartisan consensus for reform. ‘I believe that we must get serious about addressing the long-term challenges to Social Security and Medicare,’ said House majority leader Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, in a statement. ‘To that end, we must begin to lay the foundation for bipartisan action on this issue in the next Congress. …’” (03/27/08)