Two legislators introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives that would “improve and restore” Social Security service.
Social Security’s operating budget will increase by $480 million, but this bill, authored by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and U.S. Rep. John Larson, (D-Connecticut), would set Social Security’s administrative funding at 1.5 percent of the overall benefit payments issued by Social Security.
The legislation is asking for some significant changes to Social Security’s disability programs that would benefit disabled workers. Passage of the bill would eliminate Social Security’s five-month waiting period to collect disability benefits and the two-year waiting period for disabled workers to be eligible for Medicare. Additional measures call for a moratorium on the closing on any further Social Security field office. A number recent field offices across the country have been closed by Social Security creating more difficultly for Americans to seek assistance from Social Security. The elimination of the five-month waiting period for disabled workers would provide nearly $6,000 more to beneficiaries and provide much-needed medical insurance immediately for disabled workers through the Medicare provision. Six other Senators agreed to co-sponsor the legislation, but the bill remains an uphill climb in a Republican controlled Congress.
In a press release from his office, Sanders said there is no more successful government program to back than Social Security.
“Social Security is the most successful government program ever, but it can’t work for Vermonters if it doesn’t have adequate staff to answer the phones, meet with applicants and process claims. We must reject Republicans’ efforts to cut and privatize Social Security, and instead ensure that all seniors and people with disabilities receive the benefits they have earned and deserve in a timely manner,” Sanders said.
The legislation was endorsed by AFGE, AFL-CIO, Alliance for Retired Americans, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Justice in Aging, Medicare Rights Center, National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, National Council of Social Security Management Associations, National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives, Social Security Works, Special Needs Alliance, Strengthen Social Security Coalition and The Arc.
