[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 132 (Monday, September 29, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S10179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       KENNETH APFEL CONFIRMATION

 Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, today Mr. Ken Apfel will be sworn 
in for the position of Commissioner of the Social Security 
Administration. Mr. Apfel was confirmed earlier this month to direct 
the agency responsible for administering the largest domestic program 
in the United States. Social Security will have an impact on the life 
of every single American at one time or another. I support Mr. Apfel's 
confirmation to head this vital agency.
  Mr. Apfel will guide the Social Security program into the 21st 
century, bringing it right up to the edge of the largest demographic 
shift this country has ever seen. Starting in 2010, the baby boom 
generation--70 million strong--will begin entering retirement. Because 
of the tremendous medical strides we have made in extending life 
expectancy, this cohort will be living longer and collecting benefits 
longer. It is imperative that our Social Security program be ready to 
absorb such a huge influx of beneficiaries. The Commissioner must be a 
leader in preparing the agency and the program itself, to meet this 
challenge.
  Preparing for the retirement of the baby boom generation is only half 
of the challenge. There are on-going problems that must be addressed as 
well. The Social Security Administration has had difficulties 
protecting taxpayer dollars. The General Accounting Office recently 
elevated the Supplemental Security Income Program to its high-risk list 
of Federal programs because of their inability to pay out the proper 
amount of money. Huge overpayments go out to beneficiaries--most of 
which are never collected. Additional problems exist in the Disability 
Insurance Program. Prisoners and legal aliens have received benefits 
improperly. The agency has not fulfilled its legislative mandate to 
refer applicants and recipients of disability benefits to appropriate 
rehabilitation. Addressing these issues is very important because 
problems in any one of the programs that the Social Security 
Administration operates undermines confidence in all of the programs.
  I will say right now that I do not envy Mr. Apfel. He is endeavoring 
to take on a job with many difficult challenges. Having met with him 
personally, I can honestly say I believe he can do the job. It is my 
hope, however, that he will not fall into the practice of his 
predecessors of not taking a pro-active stance with regard to policy 
issues faced by the Social Security Administration. When he sees the 
need for legislative action, or he sees problems with policies that 
must be changed--that he communicate with Congress immediately.
  I hope he will see himself , in his capacity as Commissioner, as a 
liaison to the public, to the President, and to Congress to resolve 
some of the most important challenges that will face our country and 
the Government over the next 6 years. Most of all, SSA, like any other 
Government agency, is an overseer of taxpayer dollars--our money. That 
responsibility must be taken with the utmost seriousness and 
deliberation. If he can motivate his personnel to do that--protect 
taxpayer dollars--he will have a successful term as 
Commissioner.

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