By James Pavisian, Attorney
The 114th Congress began the legislative session on January 3, 2015. In the two weeks since, two major events have helped identify the new Congress’s thoughts on the disability system.
Shortly after convening, the House of Representatives passed a resolution in which it forbid any proposal to shift money from the Social Security retirement fund to the Social Security disability fund to avoid insolvency. The action the House of Representatives forbade has been taken eleven times in the past to keep both programs paying 100% of benefits. However, Republican legislators have required any bill to address the 2016 insolvency of the Social Security disability fund to pay for itself.
One week later, potential presidential nominee Rand Paul gave a speech in New Hampshire. He explained that “over half the people on disability are either anxious or their back hurts,” and added that “everybody in this room knows somebody who’s gaming the system.” CNN fact-checked Mr. Paul’s remarks and concluded that his accusations were without merit. Indeed, Mr. Paul has backed away from his rhetoric the past few days.
The actions of House of Representatives and prominent Republican legislators are jarring for those on disability or those who may apply for the program in the future. There is a consensus that this Congress will attempt to reform the disability system. The issue is the shape the reform will take. The language of this Congress so far suggests that it might make the process more burdensome and difficult to navigate than it already is.
If you have any questions for Social Security disability lawyers in Wichita, KS, or any of our other 18 offices across Missouri, Kansas and Illinois please contact Parmele Law Firm for a free consultation.