Disability Law Blog

Ways and Means Subcommittees to Hold Hearing on Social Security Commissioner's Plan to Improve the Disability Process

From a Ways and Means Press Release:

"Congressman Clay Shaw (R-FL), Chairman, Subcommittee on Social Security, and Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Chairman, Subcommittee on Human Resources, Committee on Ways and Means, today announced that the Subcommittees will hold a joint hearing on the Commissioner of Social Security’s proposal to improve the disability determination process. The hearing will take place on Thursday, September 30, 2004, in the main Committee hearing room, 1100 Longworth House Office Building, beginning at 1:00 p.m."

. . . In announcing the hearing, Chairman Shaw stated, “Since her term began, Commissioner Barnhart has rightly made improving the disability process one of her top priorities. Her proposal to improve service to individuals with disabilities applying for benefits holds real promise. In the last year, much feedback has been provided to the Commissioner by key stakeholders. This hearing provides the opportunity for us to learn more about the details of that feedback, and how the Commissioner plans to move forward.”

Hearing on SSI Program Announced

Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Chairman, Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Committee on Ways and Means, today announced that the Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. The hearing will take place on Thursday, April 29, 2004, in room B‑318 Rayburn House Office Building, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Commissioner Barnhart will give oral testimony. In the announcement, Congressman Herger noted

"Over the past few years, we have taken steps to improve the SSI program so it provides better services for recipients and includes enhanced measures to prevent fraud and abuse. There is more work to be done. This hearing will allow us to review the status of the SSI program, anti-fraud and abuse initiatives, and suggestions for additional program improvement."