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Letter to Gail Stallworth Stone, Acting Inspector General for the Social Security Administration - Requests IG Review Of Decision To Close Arlington Social Security Administration Field Office

Letter

Date: May 1, 2018
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Government Operations

Dear Acting Inspector General Stone:

H.R. 1625, the Fiscal Year 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act, contained language noting that your office is reviewing decisions to close field offices, including whether SSA has followed internal procedures in proposing consolidation, notifying the public and considering feedback from public input. The language specifically states that while the Inspector General review is ongoing, the Acting Commissioner should not make any final decisions related to field office locations under review.

I raise this with respect to the proposed closure of the only SSA field office in Arlington, Virginia. The reason stated for the closure is the inability to find suitable space. Given the vacancy rate within Arlington County and the likely continued availability of the existing space, office space availability is not an issue. Indeed, Arlington County has made an overture to assist with finding a suitable space so that the field office can stay within the County.

Closure of the field office will force my constituents to suffer from the lack of in-person services, especially to a metro accessible office. That is no small matter when many elderly and disabled Arlingtonians who may lack access to a car or internet access depend upon this field office. In addition, I am concerned that there has been no public notice and no public input in this decision. I ask that you consider these factors in your review of this proposal.

I ask that you provide me with a full accounting of whether federal law, regulations and SSA procedures have been followed in the case of this proposed consolidation, including notification to the public and consideration of feedback from public input. Please provide this accounting in a timely manner as the office is proposed for closure on June 21st and I need to ensure my constituents maintain services.

I look forward to your review of this and other office closure decisions and your recommendations for further action that best serves my constituents and the American public.

Sincerely,


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