A Republican freshman congressman from Oregon has introduced an interesting piece of legislation which could initiate debate on congressional retirement benefits as well as Social Security reform. Rep. Denny Smith is asking that members of Congress (who have their own retirement-pension program) be placed under Social Security coverage. In a House speech, Smith mentioned a couple of motivations for , introducing I-LR, 3657 which would amend Title II of the Social Security Act and Chapter 21 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954. , “l believe that members of Congress should be subject to the laws they create,” said Smith, explaining one reason for his bill. Further, he thinks that if Congress members “were forced to contribute to this program, we would experience the same frustrations that many of our constituents have expressed and come to the realization that reforms are badly needed…” Smith, who defeated veteran incumbent Democrat Al Ullman in an election upset last November, made the financial woes of the Social Security program one of his campaign issues. “Every one of us is aware of the need for reform” he told congressmen the other day. “Witbout a ma’or restructuring of Social) Security I do not see how the system can continue to function and serve as a major contributor to the retirement income of the elderly. in fact, all reports show that it will be broke by 1983.” Members of Congress and their staffs are covered under a federal retirement plan and are not subject to Social Security taxes. Smith pointed out. “Congress created the Social Security system and we should not be exempt from it. If we are a part of the system, I believe we will move quickly to resolve the financial problems of the program. ” An aide to Smith says H.R. 3657 makes no provision for dropping the present generous retirement program if members of Congress are placed under Social Security. Apparently it would remain in effect. with Social Security in a supplementary role as with tprivate industry. Un er general pension guidelines in effect for Congress, a retiring senator or congressman can draw lifetime benefits at 62 after only five years of service. After 10 years, a member qualifies for benefits at age 60, A 10year legislator who has worked elsewhere in the government or served in the Armed Forces for 10 additional years can draw a liberal pension starting at age 50. Social Security and its financial future, of course. is the main issue Smith is hoping to spotlight. Debate on his resolution would be a timely, healthy exercise.