My Vote on H.R. 2792

This week, the House voted on a bill related to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits that seniors and folks with severe disabilities receive. One of my priorities is to make sure that seniors can live with dignity during their golden years. That means we need to make sure that no one is cheating the system.

This legislation sought to ensure that felons don’t have access to SSI benefits. But instead of going after only those who aren’t playing by the rules, it would also immediately cut off those who have not been convicted of a crime. This actually used to be a rule and it was done away with after a woman lost her disability benefits in a case of mistaken identity.

That’s why groups from the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare to the Paralyzed Veterans of America spoke out against this bill and why I joined many of my colleagues in voting no. I will keep working for more productive solutions to ensure that benefits go to those who have earned them.