``The Social Security Disability Applicants' Professional Representation Act Of 2009''

Floor Speech

* s. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4532, the Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2009, which will authorize the permanent extension of the attorney and non-attorney fee-withholding provisions passed under the Social Security Protection Act of 2004. This important legislation will guarantee that seniors have access to the professional representation needed to secure the benefits that they deserve.

* I thank Chairman RANGEL for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. I would also like to thank the author of this legislation, Congressman TANNER, for his hard work and determined efforts to ensure that Americans are able to achieve financial security and stability in their old age.

* Madam Speaker, for seniors, getting Social Security benefits can be a rigorous process. Many seniors rely on professional representatives to help them complete applications, obtain medical evidence, and prepare themselves and other witnesses for hearings. H.R. 4532 will permanently extend critical provisions passed under the Social Security Protection Act of 2004 that allow representation fees to be withheld from Social Security Insurance (SSI) applicants' past-due benefits and paid directly to representatives. H.R. 4532 will also extend provisions that make qualified non-attorney representatives eligible to be paid through fee-withholding.

* The provisions set to be extended by H.R. 4532 will provide easy access to the qualified representation that many seniors need in order to secure their benefits. This legislation is especially important in these tough economic times. With limited income and increased health care needs, seniors across the country--and especially in my home State of California--have been hit particularly hard by the ongoing economic recession. Now, more than ever, we need to help the elderly access the benefits that they need to achieve financial stability.

* In conclusion, I support this bill because it will make the Social Security system more fair and easy to use for the 63,000 seniors in my district and millions more across the country. In order to uphold our obligation to senior citizens we must provide them with the resources needed to take advantage of available benefits. By helping senior citizens get the benefits they need, the Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2009 represents a much needed response to our Nation's current economic challenges.

* Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4532.

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