Daniel Akaka

At the end of fiscal year 2010, the Social Security Administration (SSA) had a backlog of almost 850,000 initial claims.

Aloha and good morning. Let me tell you what I meant when I said, 'Aloha' and begin by saying we share such a deep Aloha between Senator Voinovich and me.

I have learned a great deal about the challenges facing the Social Security Administration, particularly in the area of furloughs and the need for increased resources.

Over the past years, Social Security disability claims have risen across the Nation.

I think that we can do better.

I think it is very important for the Congress to keep an eye on that so it makes a very important choice to dedicate those resources to program integrity work when the paradigm shifts.

I would like to be more specific and ask you to describe how SSA is handling the challenge of training.

Some of the credit for this work, I want to tell you, is due to Senator Voinovich's sustained focus on the issue.

Average Ohioans must wait 479 days for their disability claims to be processed.

As Chairman, it is my responsibility to make certain that this Committee fulfills its obligation to conduct oversight of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

There is no easy path, no simple answer, and no short-cut solution to creating a strong IT capability at VA.

Thank you Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Burr, and Members of this Committee for your continued support.

I called for a full investigation on this matter in early October because I believed that those who face foreclosure should, at the very least, know that the process is being handled fairly and according to the law.

I also want to thank Senator Voinovich's staff and my staff for working so well together.

Do you think that a single comprehensive strategic plan is necessary?

It is going to take probably another 2 to 3 years to do what we think needs to be done.

I just want to tell you that I was impressed with it and look forward to continuing to work with them.

DHS is reportedly ready to move forward with awarding a contract for DHS's financial management system known as TASC.

I am committed to ensuring that the provisions in the Act that will provide tangible assistance and protection to hard-working Americans are soundly implemented.

I worked to develop many of the Act's provisions to increase financial literacy, empower hardworking Americans, and promote informed financial decision making.

These provisions are particularly important to me personally because I grew up in an unbanked family.

Thank you very much for your responses.

I, too, want to add my thanks to you for your hard work here on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

I am committed to ensuring that the provisions of the Act will provide tangible assistance and protection to hard-working Americans.

I developed Title XII of the Act together with my friend, Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin, to improve access to mainstream financial institutions.