Max Baucus: “the social security number was originally devised to administer the Social Security program. Despite the limited purpose…”

“the social security number was originally devised to administer the Social Security program. Despite the limited purpose for which it was intended, the social security number is now widely used by Federal, State and local governments, businesses, health care providers, educational institutions, and others for identification and recordkeeping. The unintended consequence of this widespread use is that social security numbers have been used to facilitate a growing range of illegal activities, including fraud, identity theft, and, in some cases, stalking and other violent crimes. Because the Federal Government requires virtually every individual in the United States to have a social security number to seek employment, to pay taxes, to qualify for social security benefits, it is necessary and appropriate for the Federal Government to take steps to prevent the abuse of social security numbers. Last year, Senator Feinstein and Senator Gregg introduced a bill, S. 848, designed to protect social security numbers.”