Oklahoma's congressional delegation reacts to Bush's State of the Union speech

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation generally praised President Bush's State of the Union address.<br/><br/>Bush devoted much of his speech Wednesday night to Social

Thursday, February 3rd 2005, 6:27 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation generally praised President Bush's State of the Union address.

Bush devoted much of his speech Wednesday night to Social Security, saying the 70-year-old centerpiece of the New Deal was headed for bankruptcy unless changes are made.

He urged lawmakers to approve voluntary personal retirement accounts that would allow workers to divert up to two-thirds of their payroll taxes into private investment accounts.

Representatives Tom Cole, John Sullivan and Frank Lucas and Senator Tom Coburn all agreed with Bush's proposals.

Cole said personal accounts will give future generations retirement security that Social Security won't be able to offer them. But he added that he'd work to ensure the benefits of retirees and those nearing retirement wouldn't be touched.

Freshman Congressman Dan Boren, the only Democrat in the delegation, said Bush's proposal for personal accounts concerns him and his constituents, many of whom are senior citizens.

Sullivan took issue with Bush's remarks on immigration, saying it's vital to national security to reform the US immigration system.