Larson Commends Commissioner O’Malley During Budget Hearing for Efforts to Improve Social Security Administration, Slams Republican Plan to Cut Benefits and Defund SSA

Washington, D.C. - Today, during a Joint Subcommittee Hearing on President Biden’s Social Security budget request, Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) commended Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O’Malley on his leadership and pushed back on Republican proposals to cut the agency’s budget. 

“Under the leadership of Commissioner O’Malley, the Social Security Administration is working diligently to deliver for the nearly 70 million Americans on Social Security,” said Larson. “As 10,000 baby boomers a day become eligible for Social Security, it is more critical than ever to make sure that employees have the tools they need to properly serve the American people. Commissioner O’Malley has a plan to modernize the agency, deal with accidental overpayments, and ensure Americans receive their hard-earned benefits. One thing is clear: to serve the people, the SSA needs more funding, and any attempt to cut their budget is an attack on Americans’ earned benefits. I will continue to work with House Democrats to support Commissioner O’Malley and protect and enhance Social Security benefits for the first time in more than 50 years!” 

President Biden’s budget for Fiscal Year 2025 includes a $15.4 billion request for the SSA, a 9% increase over the 2023 level. Republicans continue to propose dangerous cuts to the Social Security Administration, including a recent vote to cut SSA funding by 30%, and the Republican Study Committee’s plan to make $1.5 trillion in cuts to Social Security benefits.  

Rep. Larson’s Social Security 2100 Act is cosponsored by nearly 200 House Democrats, which would enhance benefits across-the-board for the first time in more than 50 years, strengthen Social Security by making the wealthy pay their fair share, and improve customer service at the Social Security Administration.