Articles from prior issues of The Advocate

March/April, 1999

Nade Correspondence

COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, DC 20515

Subcommittee On Human Resources

January 25, 1999

Ms. Martha A. Marshall
National Association of Disability Examiners
2704 Frank Street
Lansing, MI 48911

Dear Ms. Marshall:

Given the important role you have played in lobbying on behalf of the Supplemental Security Income program, I wanted to keep you informed about the intentions of the Human Resources Subcommittee in the new Congress with regard to this vital program for disabled and elderly Americans.

As you will recall, a few provisions of the draft bill designed to combat SSI fraud and abuse about which we solicited reaction last year received some strong criticism. We have reviewed the entire draft bill in light of these reactions and have decided to drop several provisions that were the target of criticism. In addition, we have met with the Social Security Administration, Democrats on the Subcommittee, and other infected parties in an attempt to develop a bill that could receive bipartisan support.

We believe the enclosed draft bill will substantially reduce fraud and abuse in the SSI program without imposing hardships on deserving child or adult recipients. Moreover, we think the bill in its current form, perhaps with a few more changes, can receive strong support from both sides of the aisle.

We would greatly value any comments you care to make about the, draft bill. It would be very useful to have your comments by Monday, February 1. Although this is a tight timeline, almost all the provisions in the bill have been in previous drafts we have shared with you. Please submit your comments in writing, by phone, or by e-mail to Ron Haskins (Ron.Haskins@mail.house.gov) on my Subcommittee staff.

Thanks again for your help with this important legislation and for your continued concern for improving the SSI program.

Sincerely yours,

Nancy L. Johnson
Chairman

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