Of inquiry requesting the President of the United States to furnish certain information to the House of Representatives relating to the operations of the Social Security Administration after March 12, 2025, including information on the Department of Government Efficiency's access to the Social Security Administration and to information in the possession of such Administration.

Bill Number: H.Res. 327
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Government Operations and Politics
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Last Updated: 2025-07-03T15:26:01Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 327) aims to request specific information from the President about changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA) operations after March 12, 2025. It focuses on policies, closures, and staffing cuts that could affect public access to SSA services and benefits, including the role of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in accessing SSA data and facilities.

Key Provisions

Information Requested: The President must provide copies of documents, records, audio recordings, memos, call logs, correspondence, audit trails, written agreements, or other communications related to SSA operations post-March 12, 2025. This includes analysis of how these changes impact the public's ability to access services and benefits.
Specific Topics Covered:
Policies announced by SSA on March 18, 2025, and March 26, 2025, that end phone-based applications for Social Security benefits (for seniors, survivors, spouses, and children), requiring in-person visits to local offices for identity verification if online filing is not possible.
Closures or consolidations of SSA field offices, card centers, and hearing offices after March 12, 2025.
Staffing reductions at SSA after March 12, 2025, including "reduction in force" actions (a legal process under U.S. code for laying off federal employees, outlined in sections 3501–3504 of title 5, U.S. Code, and part 351 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations).
Deadline: The requested materials must be furnished to the House of Representatives within 14 days of the resolution's adoption.
Referral: The resolution was introduced on April 10, 2025, by Rep. Horsford and co-sponsors (mostly Democrats) and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a resolution of inquiry, not a law-making measure, so it introduces no changes to existing statutes. It exercises Congress's oversight authority to request executive branch information, which is a standard congressional tool but not binding like a subpoena.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Increases transparency and accountability for SSA and DOGE, potentially leading to congressional hearings or further investigations into efficiency-driven changes. It could slow or complicate SSA's operational reforms if additional scrutiny arises.
On Citizens: Highlights risks to vulnerable groups (e.g., seniors and families) who rely on phone or in-person SSA services, as reduced access might delay benefit applications and payments, affecting financial security for millions of Social Security recipients.
On International Relations: No direct impact, as this concerns domestic U.S. social welfare administration.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Congress (House of Representatives): Gains access to information for oversight; the Committee on Ways and Means will handle the response.
Executive Branch: The President, SSA, and DOGE must compile and provide sensitive documents, which could reveal internal decision-making.
SSA Beneficiaries: Seniors, survivors, spouses, and children who depend on Social Security benefits, potentially facing barriers to applying if services are cut.
SSA Employees: Affected by staffing reductions, which could lead to job losses and service disruptions.
Taxpayers and Advocacy Groups: Broader public interest in efficient government and protection of social safety nets.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal/Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's constitutional oversight role (under Article I) to check executive actions, but the President's compliance is voluntary unless escalated to a subpoena. It invokes federal employment laws for reductions in force, ensuring procedural fairness in layoffs.
Political: Introduced by Democratic lawmakers amid concerns over Republican-led efficiency initiatives (e.g., DOGE, associated with figures like Elon Musk in a hypothetical 2025 context), it could fuel partisan debates on government streamlining versus service protection. Non-compliance might escalate tensions between branches of government.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4]

Cosponsors (19)

Rep. Neal, Richard E. [D-MA-1], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]

Recent Actions

2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
2025-04-10: Submitted in House
2025-04-10: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Of inquiry requesting the President of the United States to furnish certain information to the House of Representatives relating to the operations of the Social Security Administration after March 12, 2025, including information on the Department of Government Efficiency’s access to the Social Security Administration and to information in the possession of such Administration. — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (3 pages)