[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 34 (Thursday, March 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E420-E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM PROTECTION ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 20, 2002

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Social Security 
Program Protection Act of 2002'' to provide the Social Security 
Administration with the additional tools they need to fight activities 
that drain resources from Social Security and undermine the financial 
security of beneficiaries.
  Many Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries 
have individuals or organizations called ``representative payees'' 
appointed by the Social Security Administration to help manage their 
financial affairs when they are not capable. At present nearly 7 
million beneficiaries entrust their financial arrangements to ``rep 
payees.'' Representative payees safeguard income and make sure 
expenditures are made for the beneficiary's good. Most of them are 
conscientious and honest, however, some are not. The current 
precautions have not prevented abuse as well as hoped. This bill raises 
the standards for representative payee positions and imposes stricter 
regulation and monetary penalties on those who fail their duties and 
their clients.
  This bill also picks up where our 1996 legislation ended in stopping 
benefit payments to those who have committed crimes. In that year, 
Congress passed provisions denying Supplemental Security Income 
benefits to those individuals fleeing to avoid prosecution or 
confinement. Fugitive felons, however, can still receive Title II 
benefits that come directly out of the Social Security trust funds. 
This is not right and this legislation denies the money to those 
fleeing justice.
  My legislation also provides tools to further protect the integrity 
of Social Security programs, protect Social Security employees from 
harm while conducting their duties, expand the Inspector General's 
ability to stop perpetrators of fraud through new civil monetary 
penalties, and prevent persons from misrepresenting themselves as they 
provide Social Security-related services.
  My legislation not only prevents fraud and protects the Social 
Security programs, it also helps those who are legitimately seeking to 
receive benefits. Provisions from the Attorney Fee Payment System 
Improvement Act of 2001 to improve the attorney fee withholding process 
are also included in this bill. These provisions cap the current fee 
assessment and extend withholding to Supplemental Security Income 
claims, so more individuals with disabilities are able to receive 
needed help navigating a complex application process for benefits.
  And finally, this legislation continues the great work of the Ticket 
to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, helping individuals

[[Page E421]]

with disabilities to have a better, more dignified and independent 
life.
  Mr. Speaker, if your constituents complain about abuses in the Social 
Security programs, or are angry at fugitive felons receiving government 
benefits, then become a supporter of this legislation. Show those at 
home that you care about this program and the people who depend on it 
and join me in getting this legislation passed this year.

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