Larson Applauds Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Actions Blocking Harmful Trump Rules and Boosting Social Security’s Customer-Service Funding

Washington, D.C. – House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (CT-01) applauded the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee's approval of $13 billion for the Social Security Administration's (SSA) FY 2021 budget with an increase of $100 million above FY 2020. The bill also includes provisions that block two rules proposed by the Trump Administration that would cause severe harm to individuals with disabilities.

"Last night's vote was an important step towards strengthening the Social Security Administration's ability to reduce benefit delays and strengthen customer service. The $100 million increase in funding will help to ensure Americans are able to access their earned benefits. This bill will first and foremost improve customer service, help address long benefit delays, and reduce waiting times. This bill will also fight back against two harmful Trump Administration proposals that would be devastating for individuals with disabilities. It blocks a proposed rule that would dramatically increase the frequency of continuing disability reviews. These reviews can be extremely difficult for individuals to navigate and can lead to wrongful loss of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits when they are unable to complete the complex process. It also blocks a Trump Administration proposed rule to deny individuals their right to appeal a denial of Social Security or SSI benefits before an Administrative Law Judge.

"I would like to thank Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-04) for her unwavering leadership and for always fighting for those who need help the most. She fights day in and day out for families in Connecticut and across the country. Her leadership and perseverance have helped and will continue to help countless Americans," said Larson.