Protecting Retirement and Health Benefits for Families Act
Sponsored By: Representative Sherrill
In Committee
Summary
Agency heads would have to certify that staffing cuts, regional office closures, budget reallocations, or enforcement reorganizations will not harm benefit delivery or slow service. It applies to five federal agencies: the Social Security Administration, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Show full summary
- Families, seniors, veterans, housing assistance recipients, and taxpayers served by the five agencies would get new protections against actions that reduce benefit receipt, increase delays, or cut outreach efforts.
- Agency leaders would have to certify to Congress and submit a report showing how they will shift resources or change procedures to avoid staffing shortages, longer wait times, or weaker enforcement.
- Inspectors General must study each covered action and report within one year after certification and one year after the action. If an Inspector General finds the action harmed service or benefits, the agency would have to reverse it and restore staff or reopen offices.
The provisions would take effect one year after enactment.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Protects benefits from major agency cuts
This bill would require SSA, Medicare/Medicaid (CMS), IRS, VA, and HUD to certify to Congress before big cuts or office closures. Covered actions include staffing or field office cuts over 5% in a year, and reorganizations that reduce timely service or weaken protections. Agency heads would have to show the change would not cut or delay benefits or limit outreach, and explain how they will prevent longer wait times and harm to fraud prevention. Each agency’s inspector general would review within one year after the certification and again one year after the change. If harm is found, the agency would have to undo the change, including rehiring staff and reopening offices. This would start one year after enactment.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sherrill
NJ • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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