T. Gorton: “I am pleased to support S. 1560, the Social Security Administration Independence Act. Very briefly, this bill will…”

“I am pleased to support S. 1560, the Social Security Administration Independence Act. Very briefly, this bill will remove the Social Security Administration from under the Department of Health and Human Services and make it an independent agency. The new, independent Social Security Administration will continue to administer the OASDI and SSI Programs, and will be run by a Commissioner, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. In addition, S. 1560 creates a Social Security advisory board, made up of seven members, to evaluate policy alternatives, conduct research on issues and advise the Commissioner. This effort is not a new one. Similar bills have been before Congress in the past. But the most recent legislative proposal, considered during the 102d session, was not brought to the Senate floor after it was passed by the House due to time constraints. I am pleased that now the Senate has taken up this matter. Independence for the Social Security Administration is a productive move and gives the system the stature it deserves. It sends a positive message that its functions are considered extremely important and will increase public confidence in the Social Security system. Independence will help clear up some of the administrative and service quality problems that have plagued the Administration by creating strong and consistent leadership.”