Social Security Act
Social Security Act of 1935
§ LEGISLATIONsafety net· 1935
What It Did
Established the Social Security system providing old-age retirement benefits funded by payroll taxes, as well as unemployment insurance and aid to dependent children. Created the foundational safety net program that remains the largest source of retirement income for most Americans.
The Vote
House · 372–33 (passage)
D
284 YEA · 13 NAY
R
81 YEA · 15 NAY
Senate · 77–6 (passage)
D
60 YEA · 1 NAY
R
16 YEA · 5 NAY
Key Sponsors
→ Robert F. Wagner (D-NY) · Senate
→ David J. Lewis (D-MD) · House
Sources: Congress.gov · VoteView · FRED
In the Years Following
Economic indicators related to this law, showing 5 years before through 10 years after.
Manufacturing Employment
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Industrial Production Index
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Many factors influence economic outcomes. This chart shows trends in the years surrounding this legislation — not necessarily caused by it.