Last week, the House of Representatives voted to take a monumental step to save Social Security. The "Save Social Security Act" (H.R. 4578) sets aside 90 percent of the surplus, approximately $1.4 trillion, to preserve the Social Security system.

The bill establishes a new account in the U.S. treasury into which deposits will be made in anticipation of legislation addressing the long-term solvency of the Social Security system. The 90 percent is part of an overall "90-10" plan that devotes the remaining 10 percent of the surplus to a tax cut for middle-income Americans.

The "1998 Taxpayer Relief Act" (H.R. 4579) (passed during the weekend) gives middle-income working families, farmers, senior citizens, and small businesses much needed tax relief. In Georgia, this legislation means that wage earners will see an average reduction in their tax bill of $573 when they file.

For 48 million married taxpayers, an increase in the standard deduction, to equal the amount of two single taxpayers, will result in an average tax cut of $243 per return. That means 1.2 million married Georgians will see their tax bill reduced.

For 32 million married couples and single filers, up to $400 and $250 respectively in interest and dividends earned on personal savings will be excludable from taxable income. Interest and dividend income relief will reduce taxes for over 1.4 million Georgians.

For 3.3 million self-employed taxpayers, acceleration in the current law phase-in of the 100 percent deduction for health insurance premiums to Jan. 1, 1999, will provide an average tax cut of $382 in 1999.

Acceleration in the current law phase-in of the $1 million death tax limit to Jan. 1, 1999, will reduce the number of taxable estates by about 50 percent.

I have received thousands of faxes, phone calls, and e-mails pertaining to President Clinton's investigation. My updated response as of Sept. 25, 1998, is as follows:

"The report of the independent counsel on activities of President Clinton has, as you know, been delivered to the House of Representatives and the American public. Now is the appropriate time under the laws of the land for the House to address President Clinton's actions through an inquiry of impeachment. Having read Judge Starr's entire referral and evaluated the evidence and testimony set forth, and having viewed major portions of the President's videotaped testimony, I believe there is strong evidence that the President perjured himself, obstructed justice, tampered with witnesses, and abused the power of his office in relation to his legal defense in a sexual harassment case filed against him. In light of the strength of the evidence presented, it is my opinion that the House Committee on the Judiciary will reach the same conclusion following its investigation. I am fully prepared to vote in favor of a resolution of impeachment on the House floor. In hopes of expediting this process, I have personally contacted House Judiciary Chairman Henry Hyde urging him 'immediately to take the actions necessary to convene an inquiry of impeachment.'