Social Security trustees project the retirement trust fund will be depleted by the end of 2032, triggering 22% automatic benefit cuts unless Congress acts. The program would still pay benefits, but only 78% of scheduled amounts.
Posts tagged as “Social Security”
U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy referred Justice Department lawyers for possible discipline over their handling of a subpoena seeking transgender minors’ medical records from Rhode Island Hospital. The Justice Department denied misleading the courts and said the allegations are without merit.
A Senate amendment requiring photo identification for voting failed to advance after a 53-47 vote, amid heated debate over the broader SAVE America Act, which seeks to impose stricter voter ID and citizenship verification measures. Democrats opposed the amendment, citing concerns about voter access and ballot secrecy, while Republicans argued it was necessary for election integrity and reflected public opinion favoring voter ID laws. Additional election-related controversies include fears of ICE presence at polling places and a lawsuit demanding transparency over a voter data sharing agreement involving Social Security Administration staff, highlighting ongoing tensions ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The U.S. Department of Education will begin involuntary collections on May 5 through the Treasury Department's offset program to address the issue of federal student loans in default. This initiative aims to recover delinquent debts by withholding government payments from individuals with outstanding loans, as more than 5 million borrowers are currently in default, with numbers potentially rising to 10 million. The department's efforts, including wage garnishment, are part of a broader strategy to tackle financial challenges in the federal student loan system and encourage borrowers to meet their repayment obligations.
Former President Joe Biden delivered his first public remarks since leaving office, addressing disability advocates and emphasizing the importance of preserving Social Security while criticizing the current administration's approach. He expressed concern over the nation's direction under President Donald Trump, urging unity and suggesting that recent actions have caused significant damage. Although Biden mocked some claims by the Trump administration, he avoided direct attacks and did not discuss his future political plans, but he is expected to speak further at an upcoming convention in Chicago.
Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone is set to testify before Congress about newly released documents related to President John F. Kennedy's assassination, which have reignited public interest due to fewer redactions revealing sensitive information. Meanwhile, Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna has initiated a discharge petition for a proposal allowing new parents in Congress to designate a colleague to vote on their behalf for up to 12 weeks, highlighting divisions within the House Freedom Caucus. These developments emphasize ongoing debates in Congress about transparency, privacy, and accommodating the evolving needs of lawmakers, reflecting broader discussions on government accountability and legislative modernization.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Government Efficiency to scrutinize voter registration lists across states to identify instances of voter fraud, particularly focusing on noncitizens. This initiative has sparked discussions about the balance of power between the executive branch and existing federal election laws, as it involves reviewing publicly available voter registration lists and comparing them with federal and state records. Meanwhile, in Iowa, concerns about Social Security have been prominent among seniors, with delays in payments affecting individuals like Anne Bacon, highlighting the challenges faced by many seniors who depend on timely Social Security checks.
Frank Bisignano, nominated by President Trump to lead the Social Security Administration, faced a Senate confirmation hearing where he addressed concerns about customer service, erroneous payments, and potential privatization of the agency. Senators, particularly Democrats, questioned him on the impact of cost-cutting measures by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, and sought assurances on maintaining senior benefits. Bisignano emphasized his commitment to protecting the Social Security program, but his possible prior communication with DOGE and its implications for the agency's future operations were points of contention.