Floor SpeechUrgent2026-01-22

CONCERNING STATE OF SERVICE AT SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

EnvironmentSocial Security

Context

On 2026-01-22, Representative George Latimer (D-NY-16) delivered a floor speech titled "CONCERNING STATE OF SERVICE AT SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION" in the House. The speech addressed the environment and also covered Social Security.

Full Text

CONCERNING STATE OF SERVICE AT SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 15 (Thursday, January 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 15 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)] [House] [Page H1177] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONCERNING STATE OF SERVICE AT SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great concern about the current state of service in the Social Security Administration. Last year, the so-called department of governmental elimination, DOGE, diminished the agency's workforce, forcing thousands of employees to quit or be fired. This has left inexperienced staff to handle rising workloads and call volumes with minimal training. The Social Security Administration has also created new roadblocks to service in the name of efficiency and fraud prevention, requiring seniors and people with disabilities to complete some transactions in person or online, rather than by phone. Yet, reduced staffing levels at field offices have made it more difficult to schedule a timely appointment. In my district, the Social Security Administration closed the White Plains hearing office, forcing constituents in Westchester to travel farther distances at a greater expense to receive in-person service. I implore this body to hold the Social Security Administration accountable and ensure that our constituents receive good, convenient, quality service. We must immediately provide more funding and reinstate positions that were lost. We will be held accountable by the voters if we fail this task. ____________________

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CONCERNING STATE OF SERVICE AT SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 15 (Thursday, January 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 15 (Thursday, January 22, 2026)] [House] [Page H1177] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONCERNING STATE OF SERVICE AT SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (Mr. LATIMER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great concern about the current state of service in the Social Security Administration. Last year, the so-called department of governmental elimination, DOGE, diminished the agency's workforce, forcing thousands of employees to quit or be fired. This has left inexperienced staff to handle rising workloads and call volumes with minimal training. The Social Security Administration has also created new roadblocks to service in the name of efficiency and fraud prevention, requiring seniors and people with disabilities to complete some transactions in person or online, rather than by phone. Yet, reduced staffing levels at field offices have made it more difficult to schedule a timely appointment. In my district, the Social Security Administration closed the White Plains hearing office, forcing constituents in Westchester to travel farther distances at a greater expense to receive in-person service. I implore this body to hold the Social Security Administration accountable and ensure that our constituents receive good, convenient, quality service. We must immediately provide more funding and reinstate positions that were lost. We will be held accountable by the voters if we fail this task. ____________________