Senior Republicans on Capitol Hill who oversee committees and subcommittees that oversee the Social Security Administration claim they are being kept in the dark about decisions made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which is aiming to shrink the agency.
When asked if he had been informed in advance about plans to close offices, reduce phone service, and require in-person visits by some beneficiaries, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who chairs the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security told NBC News, “No, I hadn’t,” according to NBC News.
Grassley reiterated, “I’ve not been.” When asked if it was helpful to have told him about the changes, Grassley replied, “I have not.”
Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont. ), another member of the Senate Finance Committee, said that he, as well as other members, had not been informed about changes made by the administration.
Daines on Wednesday pressed Frank Bisignano – the nominee for President Donald Trump to lead the agency – about long customer service waits. He told NBC he had “not received any notices on any announcements specific.”
Social Security advocates and congressional Democrats say that the DOGE-led changes are an attempt to reduce access to benefits without reducing the benefits themselves.
Musk is also accused of using rhetoric to attack the agency. He has called Social Security a “Ponzi Scheme” in order to demonstrate his intentions.
The Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer (D-NY), told reporters on Tuesday, “Fewer people will receive benefits due to what they have done. This is another way to kill Social Security. It would be unpopular to cut benefits in public. You’re only being made to work harder in order to receive benefits. The same thing. It’s a different route, but it has the same nasty result. Americans won’t fall for it.”
Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, said critics of Trump were using “scare tactics” and that President Trump has “said clearly” that Social Security Benefits would not be reduced.
John Cornyn (R-Texas) said that the Social Security Administration was “in a period of transition.”
He said, “They have had layoffs and then rehired some people. They are still trying to determine the correct numbers. The sooner they settle on a number, the better.”
Musk’s remark about a “Ponzi Scheme” was defended by Musk.
Cornyn said, “I believe I understand what he is saying. There are fewer and fewer people working to support more and more people. It’s not sustainable. I agree with you.”
Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) also stated that he supported DOGE’s initiatives and had not heard of any concerns by his constituents.