[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 155 (Friday, November 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2285-E2286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCING THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER CONFIDENTIALITY ACT OF 1999

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                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 4, 1999

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Social 
Security Number Confidentiality Act of 1999. In a time of increasingly 
easier access to personal information by people other than the owner of 
that information, ``Identity Theft'' is becoming more and more of a 
problem.
  Given this significant problem, I found it alarming to learn from 
senior citizens in my district that the Social Security Administration 
openly displays a recipient's Social Security number, name and address 
in the window of the envelope. This same envelope makes its way through 
the United States Postal system.
  By simply taking a quick peek in a mailbox, or in a pile of mail left 
in a person's car, anyone could obtain the information needed to steal 
someone's identity. The open display of such private and confidential 
information is an invitation for scam artists to rip off our senior 
citizens.
  As I investigated this situation, I found that the Social Security 
Administration knowingly continues this practice. At the same time they 
advocate the need to keep Social Security numbers confidential.
  Ironically, in the July/August issue of Social Security Today, the 
agency advises us that, ``All the information Social Security collects 
about you is kept confidential: it's protected by law,'' and reminds us 
to ``protect your Social Security number. Be careful how you use it and 
keep it confidential whenever possible.''
  Mr. Speaker, this is a glaring inconsistency that requires immediate 
attention. My legislation will prohibit the appearance of Social 
Security numbers on or through the window of unopened Social Security 
checks. It will allow the Social Security Administration to practice 
what they preach--that we all need to be careful and keep our Social 
Security numbers private and confidential. In all fairness, the checks 
are printed by the Department of Treasury, and my legislation will 
direct them to change their procedures.
  In closing, I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me 
in supporting the Social Security Number Confidentiality Act of

[[Page E2286]]

1999. This important legislation protects our senior citizens from scam 
artists and maintains the privacy and confidentiality of our Social 
Security numbers.

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