To provide context, a coalition of 15 House lawmakers, all from the Republican Party, addressed a letter to Frank Bisignano on May 6, 2025, who has recently taken the position of head of the SSA. They expressed their belief that the staff reductions could create problems for American taxpayers, thereby aligning the Republicans with House Democrats on this matter.
In their correspondence, the group of GOP lawmakers conveyed that the layoffs at the SSA had left them “concerned,” stating, “Our constituents heavily rely on the services provided by our local SSA offices, the SSA website, and the SSA 1-800 number. Specifically, we are concerned about the SSA implementing staffing cuts and ending leases of customer service centers.”
Furthermore, the lawmakers contended that the reductions, which were sanctioned by DOGE, could result in “fraud and abuse.” They further remarked, “This verification process must not be overly burdensome for the elderly or disabled with physical and technological challenges.” They also noted, “Additionally, individuals in rural areas face existing geographical hardships in accessing local Social Security offices.”
Conversely, the lawmakers commended DOGE in their letter, characterizing the agency’s initiatives as making “our bloated bureaucracy more efficient for the American people.” However, they suggested that DOGE’s strategies were imprudent and hazardous, stating, “We must use caution and consider the impact any changes would have so there are no disruptions in services for our seniors and the disabled who depend on the Social Security Administration to receive retirement benefits and supplemental security income.
In concluding their letter, the lawmakers characterized themselves as “Members of Congress representing districts with substantial elderly populations,” and emphasized their dedication to preserving, enhancing, and increasing the efficiency of the Social Security Administration for its beneficiaries.
Additionally, the 15 lawmakers dispatched their letter to Commissioner Bisignano on the same day he was confirmed by the Senate, an action that faced significant opposition from Democrats. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer (NY) reportedly referred to the confirmation as “a disgraceful moment.” Sen. Schumer further stated, “This is putting a fox in the hen house. Bisignano is slash and burn. And the Republicans don’t want to say directly that they want to kill Social Security, so they strangle it. There is no better strangler of any program than slash-and-burn Bisignano.”
As of this writing, the letter has not yet elicited a response from Commissioner Bisignano. It was reportedly endorsed by Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Gabe Evans (R-CO), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Mike Ezell (R-MS), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ), David G. Valadao (R-CA), Jen A. Kiggans (R-VA), Michael R. Turner (R-OH), Rob Bresnahan Jr. (R-PA), Zach Nunn (R-IA), and Michael V. Lawler (R-NY).
Watch coverage of Bisignano’s confirmation: