Senate Democrats Call for Investigation into DOGE’s Social Security Cuts
Senate Democrats Call for Investigation into DOGE’s Social Security Cuts
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Mark Kelly, has formally requested that the Acting Inspector General of the Social Security Administration investigate the impact of recent reorganization efforts and budget cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Mark Kelly, has formally requested that the Acting Inspector General of the Social Security Administration investigate the impact of recent reorganization efforts and budget cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The senators specifically requested quarterly updates from the inspector general on how the restructuring is affecting Social Security service delivery. They also questioned whether DOGE’s efforts—particularly the closure of SSA offices and incentives for employee resignations—have improved customer service or sped up processing times, which DOGE claimed was the reason for the changes.
“Older Americans are paying attention to what’s happening at the Social Security Administration and will not tolerate a decline in the services they’ve worked a lifetime to secure,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We have and will continue to urge the SSA Inspector General to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into how these sweeping changes are impacting beneficiaries and their families.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Mark Kelly, has formally requested that the Acting Inspector General of the Social Security Administration investigate the impact of recent reorganization efforts and budget cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The senators specifically requested quarterly updates from the inspector general on how the restructuring is affecting Social Security service delivery. They also questioned whether DOGE’s efforts—particularly the closure of SSA offices and incentives for employee resignations—have improved customer service or sped up processing times, which DOGE claimed was the reason for the changes.
“Older Americans are paying attention to what’s happening at the Social Security Administration and will not tolerate a decline in the services they’ve worked a lifetime to secure,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We have and will continue to urge the SSA Inspector General to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into how these sweeping changes are impacting beneficiaries and their families.”
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The senators specifically requested quarterly updates from the inspector general on how the restructuring is affecting Social Security service delivery. They also questioned whether DOGE’s efforts—particularly the closure of SSA offices and incentives for employee resignations—have improved customer service or sped up processing times, which DOGE claimed was the reason for the changes.
“Older Americans are paying attention to what’s happening at the Social Security Administration and will not tolerate a decline in the services they’ve worked a lifetime to secure,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We have and will continue to urge the SSA Inspector General to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into how these sweeping changes are impacting beneficiaries and their families.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Mark Kelly, has formally requested that the Acting Inspector General of the Social Security Administration investigate the impact of recent reorganization efforts and budget cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The senators specifically requested quarterly updates from the inspector general on how the restructuring is affecting Social Security service delivery. They also questioned whether DOGE’s efforts—particularly the closure of SSA offices and incentives for employee resignations—have improved customer service or sped up processing times, which DOGE claimed was the reason for the changes.
“Older Americans are paying attention to what’s happening at the Social Security Administration and will not tolerate a decline in the services they’ve worked a lifetime to secure,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We have and will continue to urge the SSA Inspector General to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into how these sweeping changes are impacting beneficiaries and their families.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Mark Kelly, has formally requested that the Acting Inspector General of the Social Security Administration investigate the impact of recent reorganization efforts and budget cuts led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The senators specifically requested quarterly updates from the inspector general on how the restructuring is affecting Social Security service delivery. They also questioned whether DOGE’s efforts—particularly the closure of SSA offices and incentives for employee resignations—have improved customer service or sped up processing times, which DOGE claimed was the reason for the changes.
“Older Americans are paying attention to what’s happening at the Social Security Administration and will not tolerate a decline in the services they’ve worked a lifetime to secure,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “We have and will continue to urge the SSA Inspector General to conduct a thorough, independent investigation into how these sweeping changes are impacting beneficiaries and their families.”
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Medicaid Cuts Would Jeopardize Health Coverage for Millions—Particularly in 9 States
Medicaid Cuts Would Jeopardize Health Coverage for Millions—Particularly in 9 States
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Congressional Republicans are advancing a plan to cut $880 billion from the federal budget—and Medicaid is a primary target. One proposal under consideration would reduce the federal government’s contribution to Medicaid, particularly in states that expanded the program under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
More than 3 million adults in nine states would be at immediate risk of losing their health coverage if the GOP reduces the enhanced federal Medicaid funding that has allowed states to broaden eligibility, according to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. That’s because these states - Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia - have enacted so-called “trigger laws” that would automatically end their Medicaid expansions if federal funding were cut.
Congressional Republicans are advancing a plan to cut $880 billion from the federal budget—and Medicaid is a primary target. One proposal under consideration would reduce the federal government’s contribution to Medicaid, particularly in states that expanded the program under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
More than 3 million adults in nine states would be at immediate risk of losing their health coverage if the GOP reduces the enhanced federal Medicaid funding that has allowed states to broaden eligibility, according to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. That’s because these states - Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia - have enacted so-called “trigger laws” that would automatically end their Medicaid expansions if federal funding were cut.
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Since the ACA’s passage, the federal government has paid 90% of the cost of Medicaid expansion. This enhanced funding has helped states provide coverage to workers whose jobs don’t offer health insurance, reduce the uninsured rate, and extend health care to 21 million more Americans since 2014. Today, nearly one in four Medicaid recipients is covered through these state expansion programs.
“Anyone who says this Republican budget resolution will not end health care coverage that Americans rely on is just not being honest,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “You can’t take away billions in federal funding and pretend it won’t hurt anyone. This is a clear choice: tax breaks for the wealthy, or health care for millions of working families and seniors.”
Congressional Republicans are advancing a plan to cut $880 billion from the federal budget—and Medicaid is a primary target. One proposal under consideration would reduce the federal government’s contribution to Medicaid, particularly in states that expanded the program under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
More than 3 million adults in nine states would be at immediate risk of losing their health coverage if the GOP reduces the enhanced federal Medicaid funding that has allowed states to broaden eligibility, according to the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. That’s because these states - Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia - have enacted so-called “trigger laws” that would automatically end their Medicaid expansions if federal funding were cut.
Since the ACA’s passage, the federal government has paid 90% of the cost of Medicaid expansion. This enhanced funding has helped states provide coverage to workers whose jobs don’t offer health insurance, reduce the uninsured rate, and extend health care to 21 million more Americans since 2014. Today, nearly one in four Medicaid recipients is covered through these state expansion programs.
“Anyone who says this Republican budget resolution will not end health care coverage that Americans rely on is just not being honest,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance. “You can’t take away billions in federal funding and pretend it won’t hurt anyone. This is a clear choice: tax breaks for the wealthy, or health care for millions of working families and seniors.”
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Alliance Webinar: Social Security in Crisis
Alliance Webinar: Social Security in Crisis
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Several hundred Alliance members joined a webinar Thursday featuring Laura Haltzel, former Associate Commissioner at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and a retirement security expert. Haltzel discussed sweeping changes underway at the SSA that could have significant consequences for the 73 million people who receive Social Security benefits each month.
Since January 2025, these shifts have been driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump Administration initiative led by Elon Musk. Musk has repeated false claims of widespread fraud in the Social Security program, despite the SSA’s benefit payment accuracy rate of 99.7%.
Under DOGE, the SSA workforce has been slashed by 12%, even as the number of newly eligible beneficiaries continues to rise. Haltzel noted that offices producing critical data—such as the annual trust fund solvency reports—are being downsized or merged. Longstanding structures are being dismantled, including the consolidation of 10 regional offices into just four. All SSA Deputy Commissioner roles are now political appointments.
Haltzel emphasized that the public is already feeling the effects. Wait times on the SSA’s 800 number have soared, and it is increasingly difficult to schedule an in-person appointment with an SSA staff member. Staffing cuts also mean that claims are taking longer to process.
“We are grateful to Ms. Haltzel for giving us an inside account of what’s happened at the SSA,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “It’s important that we stay informed about the threats and then use that information to mobilize our friends and family to join the fight to protect our guaranteed earned Social Security benefits.”
What You Can Do:
The Alliance and Haltzel urge all Alliance members to contact their Congressional representative — and to encourage friends and family to do the same. When you call, demand an end to SSA staffing cuts, strong oversight of DOGE, and safeguards for your personal data.
Dial 866-748-9411 to be connected to your Representative now!
Several hundred Alliance members joined a webinar Thursday featuring Laura Haltzel, former Associate Commissioner at the Social Security Administration (SSA) and a retirement security expert. Haltzel discussed sweeping changes underway at the SSA that could have significant consequences for the 73 million people who receive Social Security benefits each month.
Since January 2025, these shifts have been driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump Administration initiative led by Elon Musk. Musk has repeated false claims of widespread fraud in the Social Security program, despite the SSA’s benefit payment accuracy rate of 99.7%.
Under DOGE, the SSA workforce has been slashed by 12%, even as the number of newly eligible beneficiaries continues to rise. Haltzel noted that offices producing critical data—such as the annual trust fund solvency reports—are being downsized or merged. Longstanding structures are being dismantled, including the consolidation of 10 regional offices into just four. All SSA Deputy Commissioner roles are now political appointments.
Haltzel emphasized that the public is already feeling the effects. Wait times on the SSA’s 800 number have soared, and it is increasingly difficult to schedule an in-person appointment with an SSA staff member. Staffing cuts also mean that claims are taking longer to process.
“We are grateful to Ms. Haltzel for giving us an inside account of what’s happened at the SSA,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “It’s important that we stay informed about the threats and then use that information to mobilize our friends and family to join the fight to protect our guaranteed earned Social Security benefits.”
What You Can Do:
The Alliance and Haltzel urge all Alliance members to contact their Congressional representative — and to encourage friends and family to do the same. When you call, demand an end to SSA staffing cuts, strong oversight of DOGE, and safeguards for your personal data.
Dial 866-748-9411 to be connected to your Representative now!
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KFF Health News: Why Cameras Are Popping Up in Eldercare Facilities
By Paula Span
Alliance Webinar: Social Security in Crisis
KFF Health News: Why Cameras Are Popping Up in Eldercare Facilities
By Paula Spahn
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The assisted living facility in Edina, Minnesota, where Jean Peters and her siblings moved their mother in 2011, looked lovely. “But then you start uncovering things,” Peters said.
Her mother, Jackie Hourigan, widowed and developing memory problems at 82, too often was still in bed when her children came to see her midmorning.
“She wasn’t being toileted, so her pants would be soaked,” said Peters, 69, a retired nurse-practitioner in Bloomington, Minnesota. “They didn’t give her water. They didn’t get her up for meals.” Her mother dwindled to 94 pounds.
Most ominously, Peters said, “we noticed bruises on her arm that we couldn’t account for.” Complaints to administrators — in person, by phone, and by email — brought “tons of excuses.”
Read more here.
The assisted living facility in Edina, Minnesota, where Jean Peters and her siblings moved their mother in 2011, looked lovely. “But then you start uncovering things,” Peters said.
Her mother, Jackie Hourigan, widowed and developing memory problems at 82, too often was still in bed when her children came to see her midmorning.
“She wasn’t being toileted, so her pants would be soaked,” said Peters, 69, a retired nurse-practitioner in Bloomington, Minnesota. “They didn’t give her water. They didn’t get her up for meals.” Her mother dwindled to 94 pounds.
Most ominously, Peters said, “we noticed bruises on her arm that we couldn’t account for.” Complaints to administrators — in person, by phone, and by email — brought “tons of excuses.”
Read more here.
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