Q: Why is legislation needed to target Social Security fraud?
A: Unfortunately, the coffers of the federal government apparently are too irresistible to wrongdoers. Con artists don’t seem to run out of ways to try and loot Uncle Sam. But when the defrauders pilfer Social Security, they also drain valuable resources from the popular federal program that in many cases provide a lifeline of financial security to retired Americans, the disabled and other dependents. A government audit revealed serious shortcomings in the program that assigns financial intermediaries to represent minors and those with physical or mental impairments. Disturbingly, after conducting a 10-state audit, investigators estimated approximately 3,145 fugitives served as financial representatives, managing roughly $81.2 million in Social Security funds. For years, reports have indicated some financial representatives have misused the Social Security benefits of those entrusted to their care. In my ongoing effort to put an end to these circumstances, I successfully advanced through the U.S. Senate a bipartisan bill that would give the Social Security Administration key new tools to fight fraud and clamp down on such negligent abuse of trust.
Q: How does your Senate-passed bill address fraud, waste and abuse in the Social Security programs?
A: First and most importantly, my bill puts in place better protections for beneficiaries. It would ensure the federal government can replace payments stolen from the beneficiary and hold accountable those who misuse Social Security funds by holding them liable for repayment. Currently, roughly five million people have been appointed to serve as financial representatives. I want to make sure the Social Security Administration has the tools to weed out the bad apples from the bunch. We need to make sure honest stewards are assigned the task of managing these Social Security benefits. Once the House of Representatives approves the Senate-approved bill after the New Year, the anti-fraud legislation will be sent to the president for his signature.