Political Quotes

“I rise in support of H.R. 4277, which makes the Social Security Administration an independent agency. The Social Security Administration is responsible for administering the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance program and Disability Insurance program--Social Security--and the Supplemental Security Income [SSI] program. The Social Security Administration is the ninth largest agency in the Government. The bill establishes the Social Security Administration [SSA] as an independent agency, effective October 1, 1995. The bill gives SSA additional authority to prevent benefit fraud and increases the penalties against deceptive mass mailings that mimic official Social Security correspondence. In my district of Baltimore, the employees of SSA have asked that I support this measure. However, Mr. Speaker, my support comes with some reservations. Specifically, I am concerned that Congress' desire to improve and advance the productivity and services of the Social Security Administration, while well-intentioned may not be enough. In addition to passing this bill, Congress must give the Social Security Administration the necessary resources to successfully make the smoother transition to independent status. Another concern I have stems from the fact that the bill restricts payment of Disability Insurance [DI] and Supplemental Security Income [SSI] for persons with drug and alcohol additions.”