Social Security Program Protection Act of 2002 (H.R. 4070)

Publication Date: November 2002

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Banking and finance

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Abstract:

On June 26, 2002, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4070 (Social Security Program Protection Act of 2002), as amended, by a vote of 425-0. The bipartisan measure would impose stricter standards on individuals and organizations that serve as representative payees for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients; make nongovernmental representative payees liable for "misused" funds and subject them to civil monetary penalties; tighten restrictions on attorneys who represent Social Security and SSI disability claimants and limit assessments on attorney fee payments; prohibit fugitive felons from receiving Social Security benefits; and make other changes designed to reduce program fraud and abuse.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the House-passed version of H.R. 4070 would result in net savings of $541 million over 10 years. On November 18, 2002, the Senate passed its version of H.R. 4070 by voice vote. The Senate-passed version of H.R. 4070 closely resembles the House-passed version, however, it contains several additional provisions regarding the trial work period for disability recipients, the Government Pension Offset, and the Railroad Retirement program. The House did not take up the Senate-passed version of the bill before the 107th Congress adjourned sine die. This report will not be updated.