[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 196 (Wednesday, December 12, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE STOPPING IMPROPER PAYMENTS TO DECEASED PEOPLE ACT

  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, the Social Security Administration needs to 
get out of the death data business. Unfortunately, S. 2374, the 
Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act, moves the issue in 
the wrong direction. Under current law, the Social Security 
Administration receives death data from the States. SSA shares the 
State data with other Federal benefit paying agencies. This bill would 
expand the distribution of the State data and burden the Social 
Security Administration with responsibilities unrelated to running the 
Social Security program. Similar to a musician receiving compensation 
each time their song plays on Spotify or Apple Music, the States own 
the data, want to control the distribution of the data, and deserve 
adequate compensation. Proceeds from the use of State death data helps 
maintain State vital records offices. Because the bill would increase 
sharing of personal data by the Federal Government at the expense of 
States, I will object to any unanimous consent request to proceed to or 
pass this bill. I hope the sponsors of this bill will work with the 
Finance Committee on this important issue in the future.

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