Government Spending Bill at Critical Point in Congress—How Would Social Security Fare? - Newseek
Voting on the “Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025” is expected to commence in the House of Representatives today, followed by a Senate vote if it successfully passes the House vote. Described as “a stopgap measure to prevent a government shutdown,” the full text of the bill—which can be viewed here—proposes specific funding for Social Security and the separately funded Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and faces criticism related to the impact of budget caps on Social Security’s administrative spending.
Newseek.com Senior Editor Robert Thorpe summarized the bill and its content in a post last evening quoting 9i Capital Group CEO Kevin Thompson’s comment on Social Security spending, “(t)he bill only addresses discretionary spending, such as funding for the SSA’s administrative expenses. It doesn’t directly impact beneficiaries or their benefits. However, the cap on the administrative budget will likely force Social Security to reduce staffing levels.” The staffing level issue has consistently emerged as a point of contention regarding the Social Security Administration’s ability to adequately serve the public in the face of what has been estimated as a more than 10% workforce reduction.
Thorpe’s post contains commentary in support of the bill, as well as opposing views concerning the effects of the bill’s content. All eyes will be on Congress as the voting process unfolds and on the March 14 expiration of current government funding.