Senate Finance Committee to investigate Social Security watchdog: Report
Jack Birle
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The Senate Finance Committee is reportedly looking to probe the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration in the upcoming Senate term.
The investigation will “concentrate on allegations of retaliation against whistleblowers, plummeting morale, staff attrition, hiring decisions and a declining number of investigations into fraud in the massive disability benefits program,” according to a Washington Post report.
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“The committee has grown increasingly concerned about the performance of the Social Security Inspector General’s office over the past year, especially allegations of whistleblower retaliation. Chairman Wyden will continue working to ensure the office is able to perform its critical watchdog role in the months ahead,” a spokesperson for Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) told the outlet.
The SSA has not historically seen significant oversight from Congress, but it is facing scrutiny over its in-house watchdog.
The Washington Post also reported that SSA Inspector General Gail Ennis recently received a briefing on troubles within her office.
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In 2023, the SSA will increase its rate for its various payments to keep up with consistently high inflation.