On the recordSeptember 20, 2016
This bill codifies current practice at the Social Security Administration, which is to remove Social Security numbers from its letters and notices in order to reduce the risk of identity theft. It is important to note that SSA is ahead of the game on these efforts. It has not included Social Security numbers on statements since 2001. Checks have not contained Social Security numbers since 2004, and the annual COLA notice no longer contains full Social Security numbers. This bill before us also requires SSA to report to Congress twice each year for the next 6 years on its progress toward removing Social Security numbers from all mail documents. I am glad that SSA has already taken important steps to protect Americans' identities, and I commend SSA for the high value it places on protecting Americans' private information. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
