 |
|
|
SUBCOMMITTEES: Privacy, Copyright, and Permission to Link Statement |
Committee on Ways and Means For Immediate Release Bipartisan Steps Taken to Strengthen Social SecurityChairman Shaw and Rep. Matsui Join Forces on Two Bills to Improve the System WASHINGTON— Today, bipartisan steps were taken to strengthen the Social Security program. Chairman Clay Shaw (R-FL) and ranking member Robert Matsui (D-CA), both of the Subcommittee on Social Security, offered legislation that will provide increased benefits for women and help prevent waste, fraud and abuse. "Common ground is a critical place to start, in advance of major reform, to improve the program for women and implement important protections for the entire Social Security system. This is an important first step toward constructive dialogue on Social Security’s long-term financial challenges," said Chairman Shaw. “Social Security has been the backbone of Americans’ retirement security for two-thirds of a century. I am pleased that we can work together on these steps that will improve Social Security’s fairness to women and help make this great program more efficient. I applaud Chairman Shaw for working in a bipartisan way on these bills and hope this is just the beginning of a bipartisan dialogue on how to protect and improve Social Security,” said Rep. Matsui. H. R. 4069, The Social Security Benefit Enhancements for Women Act of 2002 improves fairness and updates benefit eligibility requirements, resulting in higher benefits and expanded eligibility for elderly and disabled widows and divorced spouses, who are among the most likely to live in poverty. Once implemented, over 120,000 women will see enhancements. H.R. 4070, The Social Security Program Protection Act of 2002 will protect vulnerable beneficiaries from fraud if a third party is handling their benefits on their behalf. It also protects the integrity of Social Security by imposing new civil monetary penalties for fraudulent acts, denying Social Security benefits to fugitive felons, and preventing persons from misrepresenting themselves as they provide Social Security-related services. Furthermore, the bill improves access to legal representation for disabled claimants who need assistance filing their application. It improves the flexibility of 'Ticket to Work' programs so that we can maximize the number of disabled individuals who seek and find jobs. |