In Washington, the confirmation hearing for President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Social Security Administration unfolded amidst widespread scrutiny. Frank Bisignano, known for his affiliation with the “DOGE,” faced intense questioning regarding the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) recent initiatives to close Social Security field offices and reduce phone services.
The nomination occurs at a time when the agency, which serves around 72.5 million individuals including retirees and children, has become central to discussions about public service cuts and their implications on Social Security – often considered a politically sensitive issue.
At the Senate Finance Committee’s 2.5-hour hearing, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts painted a troubling picture of individuals with mobility constraints and limited internet access struggling as a result of reduced staffing at Social Security offices located far from their homes. She challenged Bisignano by asking if this scenario equated to a benefits cut. Bisignano assured, “I have no intent to have anything like that happen under my watch.”
Previously serving as chairman of Fiserv, a financial services and payments technology company, since 2020, Bisignano is noted for being a Wall Street veteran and an advocate for anti-discrimination corporate policies. In an interview with CNBC, he stated, “I am fundamentally a DOGE person,” but emphasized that reducing benefits wasn’t the goal.
This hearing follows a series of adverse developments, including broad federal workforce layoffs and planned reductions in Social Security’s nationwide phone services. During the session, when asked whether Social Security should be privatized, Bisignano replied that he had neither considered nor heard of such a notion.
Republican members largely supported Bisignano’s nomination. Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo of Idaho expressed confidence in Bisignano’s capability to navigate the agency’s critical mission and operational challenges, given his extensive background.
The turbulence at the Social Security Administration began post the resignation of acting Commissioner Michelle King in February, succumbing to DOGE, under Trump’s adviser Elon Musk, which sought access to recipient data. Following her exit, the agency outlined plans for massive layoffs of approximately 7,000 staff as part of restructuring strategies proposed by DOGE.
Moreover, DOGE advocate and acting commissioner, Leland Dudek, introduced a controversial plan mandating in-office identity verifications for millions of recipients, sparking outrage over perceived hurdles being placed on vulnerable populations.
Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, criticized the proceedings, indicating that Bisignano’s involvement could exacerbate the issues caused by DOGE’s policies. Recently, a federal judge intervened by temporarily blocking DOGE from accessing sensitive Social Security data, condemning their actions as overreach.
Social Security is on a precarious path toward insolvency unless legislative action is taken. According to the May 2024 trustees’ report, the program’s trust funds will be insufficient to cover full benefits starting in 2035, potentially resulting in a 17% reduction in payments if unresolved.
Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota abstained from questioning Bisignano but voiced her disapproval of current policies, stating, “This is a travesty. This is a wholesale effort to dismantle Social Security from the inside out.”