Social Security Commissioner Outlines Plans to Combat Waste and Protect Agency’s Future

Frank Bisignano, the newly appointed Social Security Commissioner, has articulated his vision for the agency, emphasizing the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse while safeguarding its long-term solvency. Bisignano, formerly the CEO of Fiserv, addressed these critical issues during an interview on "Sunday Morning Futures," expressing his commitment to the agency’s mission and his honor to serve under President Trump’s administration.

Bisignano acknowledged the looming threat of insolvency that some experts predict could materialize within the next decade. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address this challenge, stating that he will work closely with the Social Security Trust team, which includes the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This team, he said, plans to convene in the coming months to thoroughly review the available data and formulate strategies to ensure the agency’s financial stability.

The Commissioner stressed that this endeavor will require bipartisan cooperation, involving both the Senate and Congress. He expressed confidence that by working together, they can ensure the Social Security system remains viable for future generations. "Its been a 90-year-old institution, and as the president has said… we have no intent to break a system that can be improved, but we have no intent to break it, and I do believe that that team that will get together, along with the Senate and Congress, will ensure that this is here for the next 90 years, at least," Bisignano stated.

Bisignano identified the integrity, safety, and security of Social Security numbers as a key area for improvement. He sees "tremendous opportunity" in enhancing these aspects to protect beneficiaries and prevent fraudulent activities. He described President Trump’s team as "the best that’s ever been assembled," signaling his confidence in their ability to tackle the challenges facing the agency.

However, Bisignano’s appointment has not been without controversy. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer recently criticized him, labeling him "Mr. Slash and Burn" due to alleged past cuts to organizations in the private sector. Schumer questioned Bisignano’s suitability for the role, arguing that his experience in cutting costs may not align with the needs of the Social Security Administration. "Can you imagine putting this man, who has no experience, with Social Security, but who has experience in cutting the daylights out of any organization that he becomes part of, being the commissioner…?" Schumer stated during a press briefing.

In response to these concerns, Bisignano emphasized his commitment to protecting the agency’s core mission and ensuring its continued ability to serve beneficiaries. He reiterated that his focus is on eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, not on cutting essential services.

During his interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox News, Bisignano underscored the importance of data integrity within the Social Security system. He stated that "job one" is to ensure the security and proper handling of Social Security numbers, from payment processing to data transmission. "Fraud and abuse can happen so many ways, so job ones going to be ensuring that Social Security numbers are only given out and maintained to people who should have them," he explained.

Bisignano highlighted the need to address vulnerabilities that could lead to fraud and abuse. He emphasized that the problem extends beyond simple cases of deceased individuals receiving payments, stating that Social Security numbers can be compromised and used for various illicit purposes. "It can be as simple as, did that number travel through the system and [can] still be alive and used for many other things?" he said.

The Commissioner also addressed the agency’s error rate for improper payments, which he described as "not acceptable." He noted that even a small error rate can have a significant impact on individuals and the overall system. "If you think about your own financial transactions, if you had a one percent error rate on them, or your own data integrity… you would really feel like you were at risk, so we need to shut down all the avenues where these errors happen, and that is fraud, waste and abuse," Bisignano stated.

Bisignano’s plans to combat waste, fraud, and abuse include implementing stricter security measures, improving data management practices, and enhancing oversight of payment processes. He is committed to working with Congress and other stakeholders to enact reforms that will strengthen the Social Security system and protect it from future threats.

The appointment of Frank Bisignano as Social Security Commissioner comes at a critical time for the agency. With the looming threat of insolvency and ongoing concerns about fraud and abuse, his leadership will be crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of this vital program. While his past experience has drawn criticism from some, Bisignano has expressed his commitment to serving the agency’s mission and working collaboratively to address the challenges it faces. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether he can successfully navigate these challenges and secure the future of Social Security for generations to come.