DeLauro and Becerra Applaud SSA Decision On Benefit Verifications

Press Release

Today, Congressman Xavier Becerra, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, released the following statement after the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it would continue providing benefit verification letters to Social Security beneficiaries, reversing a previous decision:

"Today's decision is great news for the millions of people who would have been harmed by the Social Security Administration's decision," said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. "The most vulnerable in our society do not need any more obstacles put in their path to obtaining simple necessities like food or shelter. Now Congress must do its part and ensure the Social Security Administration has the necessary resources to do the job the American people expect."

"I applaud the Social Security Administration for hearing and responding to our concerns about turning away vulnerable Americans who need benefit verifications to secure basic necessities like food and housing," said Congressman Xavier Becerra. "Even considering Social Security's current staff shortages, it would have been a mistake. Nonetheless, Congress needs to do its job and undo the Republican cuts that are making it increasingly difficult for Social Security to provide all Americans with the service they paid for."

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