Martin OMalley confirmation Social Security commissioner win American people

Senate confirms Martin O'Malley as Social Security Commissioner, marking the first time in 25 years a Democratic nominee is confirmed.

The recent confirmation of Martin O'Malley as the new Commissioner of Social Security by the Senate is a significant achievement. This marks the first time in over 25 years that a Social Security commissioner nominated by a Democratic president has been confirmed by the Senate. It's important to note that commissioners nominated by Democratic presidents have only headed the Social Security Administration for eight years out of the last 40.

This fact is crucial because the Democratic and Republican parties have very different views on Social Security. Democrats were the creators of Social Security and have been united in recent years in the need to protect and expand the system's modest benefits. In contrast, Republicans in Congress were largely hostile to Social Security when it was enacted in 1935. While mainstream Republicans largely voted for protecting and expanding Social Security as the program became established and popular, in recent years, Republican politicians have returned to deep opposition to the system, often subtly due to their voters' support for it.

One way Republicans have expressed this hostility is by starving the Social Security Administration of funding, undermining Social Security from within. It's important to recognize that Social Security's funding comes from its trust funds, which are currently in surplus at $2.8 trillion. Despite this, Republican-controlled congresses have cut the agency's budget by 17 percent over the last 13 years, leading to a decrease in staffing and a decline in customer service quality.

The confirmation of O'Malley as the new Commissioner of Social Security is a significant win for all Americans. O'Malley has a proven track record with extensive executive experience from his time as mayor of Baltimore and governor of Maryland. He has emphasized the importance of listening to frontline workers at the agency and has the platform needed to share their stories with Congress and make the case for adequate funding.

O'Malley's confirmation also brings hope for improvements in customer service, including restoring the annual earnings statement, which is required by law and was ended by a Republican commissioner. Additionally, O'Malley is positioned to address issues such as overpayments and underpayments to beneficiaries, advocating for a more compassionate interpretation of the law and prioritizing program integrity.

Furthermore, O'Malley should lead the trustees in a clear declaration that protecting and expanding Social Security is fully affordable, sending an important message for the upcoming election. President Biden has run on expanding Social Security, and it's crucial that he proposes specific legislation and campaigns on it. A majority of congressional Democrats have co-sponsored legislation to expand Social Security, while Republicans have offered no substantive proposals for the system's future.

In conclusion, the confirmation of Martin O'Malley as the new Commissioner of Social Security is a significant win for all Americans. With his leadership, there is hope for improvements in Social Security's customer service and a commitment to protecting and expanding the system. This is an important step towards ensuring the future of Social Security and its benefits for all Americans.