Harry S Truman on Social Security

System is only half finished; extend to millions more

We should now extend unemployment compensation, old age benefits, and survivors' benefits to millions who are not now protected. We should also raise the level of benefits.

The greatest gap in our social security structure is the lack of adequate provision for the Nation's health. We are rightly proud of the high standards of medical care we know how to provide in the United States. The fact is, however, that most of our people cannot afford to pay for the care they need. Our ultimate aim must be a comprehensive insurance system to protect all our people equally against insecurity and ill health.