Cape News

Recent reports indicate that the Biden Administration's outgoing Social Security Commissioner has signed an agreement to extend the telework policies of the Social Security Administration until at least 2029. This move has drawn criticism from Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith, who views it as a threat to seniors and other Americans relying on Social Security services.

Chairman Smith expressed concern over the decision, stating, "President Trump was elected specifically on the promise of greater accountability in our federal government, yet, if these reports are to be believed, the outgoing Administration – having been overwhelmingly rejected by the American people – is undermining the will of the people and the incoming Administration’s ability to provide service to the roughly 68 million Americans who rely on Social Security."

Smith further criticized the policy allowing front-line employees at Social Security offices to work from home up to two days a week. He argued this would hinder face-to-face service for approximately 170,000 daily visitors. Smith claimed that such actions demonstrate a preference for federal employee unions over public service.

In May, amid a public service crisis, additional administrative leave was granted to employees by former Commissioner of Social Security without prior notice. This decision led to closures of SSA offices during specific afternoons in May. In response, Social Security Subcommittee Chairman Drew Ferguson addressed his concerns in a letter: "With less than 48 hours advance notice, Congress was informed that you made the decision to provide all Social Security employees with administrative leave and shutter all SSA offices on the afternoons of Friday, May 10, and Friday, May 24."

Ferguson highlighted that these closures resulted in delayed services for more than 7,500 Americans with scheduled appointments during those times and disrupted overall operations at SSA field offices.