The plan to partially privatize Social Security has been one of President Bush's hot topics. A budget cushion was available to make up the payroll taxes that would be diverted to private accounts. But since the terrorist attacks, things have changed. The surplus is vanishing and the budget cushion is gone for the foreseeable future. The idea of privatization of Social Security probably won't be brought up again for many years.

Source:  Kiplinger Tax Letter
         Oct. 12, 2001