NEWS RELEASE
“The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare strongly opposes President Trump’s executive order to politicize the selection of administrative law judges (ALJs) who decide Social Security disability claims. For decades, ALJs have been chosen based on their credentials and experience, but essentially could now become political appointees. The Trump administration will likely appoint judges who share its hostility to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The administration and its GOP allies in Congress have already proposed to slash SSDI by $64 billion over 10 years. Appointing judges who are biased against SSDI is yet another way to cut disabled Americans’ benefits. Claimants are entitled to have their cases adjudicated by neutral, fair-minded judges. Congress must step up and ensure that ALJs continue to be chosen for their qualifications instead of their political loyalties, so that disabled workers can continue to collect their hard-earned benefits.” – Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
The National Committee is a co-chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Social Security Task Force, which provided testimony for today’s House Social Security Subcommittee hearing on the appointment of administrative law judges.
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The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.
Media Inquiries to:
Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
Walter Gottlieb 202-216-8414