[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM PROTECTION ACT OF 2002

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2002

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the 
Social Security Program and Protection Act. This legislation is a 
protective measure that would maintain the integrity of Social Security 
Programs.
  H.R. 4070 would protect the nearly 7 million Social Security and SSI 
beneficiaries who cannot manage their own finances and have a 
``representative payee.'' This legislation prevents misuse of benefits 
by: (1) authorizing the reissuance of certain misused benefits, (2) 
disqualifying from serving as representatives payees fugitive felons 
and those who have been convicted and imprisoned more than a year, and 
(3) expanding civil monetary penalties to include representative payees 
misuse of benefits.
  In addition, this legislation would also further protect Social 
Security by Clarifying that civil monetary penalties can be imposed for 
failure to notify SSA of changed circumstances that affect eligibility 
or benefit amount.
  H.R. 4070 includes provisions that aim to support meaningful work 
opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The bill would ensure 
that employers who hire individuals with disabilities through referral 
by an employer network qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.
  Now is the time to save Social Security. We must ensure the viability 
and integrity of Social Security for the sake of our nation's most 
deserving citizens. Half of all American workers do not have employer-
provided retirement programs and must rely on Social Security and their 
own savings.
  If we do not protect Social Security, there will be serious poverty 
among the elderly. Women are particularly vulnerable because they have 
lower income retirement than men and are likely to live in poverty. 
Couple this reality with the vulnerability of those recipients who 
cannot manage their own financial affairs and the need to safeguard 
social security becomes even more evident.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my Colleagues to support this legislation. Social 
Security is one of the most critical issues facing Congress today. This 
legislation recognizes the importance of Social Security to the long-
term economic stability of Americans.

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