Today we focus on the Social Security Administration’s response to the tragic events of September 11^th.

As we mourn the loss of so many Americans, the best of our great nation have stepped forward to assist those injured and the families of those who were lost. Many of the victims were eligible for Social Security survivor or disability benefits, and employees of the Social Security Administration responded with urgency, dedication, and compassion.

Today, the Acting Commissioner of Social Security will detail the Administration’s diligent efforts to respond to the victims of these heinous attacks. And also this morning, Inspector General Jim Huse will discuss how the theft of Social Security numbers may have helped harbor terrorists in our own country.

Countless hours of investigation by IG agents have provided key identifying information on these terrorists and their networks. Law enforcement officers - local police, FBI, Secret Service, and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General - have worked in concert since the attacks to identify the terrorists, their enabling thugs, and others who are suspect.

The events of September 11 have changed all of us, forever. Yet, our resolve to respond is unyielding. As we learn more about the terrorists’ methods, investigators have found that some of the terrorists assumed identities, using Social Security numbers to execute their plans and to frustrate law enforcement efforts. The activities of the terrorists highlight the need for us to be vigilant in ensuring the integrity of the Social Security number application process, protecting the privacy of Social Security numbers, and preventing identity theft.

This year, I, along with several of my Committee colleagues, introduced H.R. 2036, the "Social Security Number Privacy and Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2001." This bipartisan bill represents a balanced approach to protecting the privacy of Social Security numbers while allowing for their legitimate uses.

It restricts the sale and public display of Social Security numbers by both the public and private sector and enforces such restrictions through civil and criminal penalties. Passage of this legislation would be a step in the right direction. Today we will learn whether there is more we can do.

Social Security is called upon after a crisis to assist victims, and this role is paramount. I count the employees of the Social Security Administration and the Office of Inspector General among our nation’s best, and we thank them for their ability to serve the public good, no matter how difficult.

But, now we must look to the future. Having a secure system is critical to preventing future attacks.

Social Security numbers have become the most frequently used personal identifier, and are far too easily used by criminals or terrorists to steal identities and obtain false documents. We must act to protect the privacy of Americans’ Social Security numbers. It is a necessary step in our nation’s response to terrorism.