Senate Democrats Press Social Security Administrator Nominee on DOGE Issues

On March 25, Senate Democrats questioned Frank Bisignano, President Donald Trump’s nominee to head the Social Security Administration (SSA), about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) operating within the agency, including its access to databases.

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) expressed his concerns regarding DOGE’s involvement with Social Security as part of its initiative to identify waste, fraud, and abuse.

“Every day there’s more hard evidence, so it is time to bring a halt to the DOGE destruction of Social Security before it goes any further,” he stated during his opening remarks at Bisignano’s nomination hearing.

“With these developments, the DOGE crowd is breaking a sacred promise to deliver Americans their earned Social Security benefits. It’s time for every member of this committee to take action to reverse these disastrous decisions and restore integrity to Social Security,” Wyden continued.

Wyden noted that a former senior SSA staff member had contacted his office, alleging that Bisignano approved DOGE hires at the SSA and received “frequent briefings” between his nomination and the hearing.

Bisignano refuted these claims.

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Bisignano claimed he never consulted with the agency’s acting administrator, Leland Dudek.

Wyden inquired if Bisignano would “lock DOGE out of” the SSA databases. Bisignano responded that he would ensure the databases are safeguarded.

“I’m committed to doing whatever is necessary to protect private information, so I’m not sure what ‘lock DOGE out’ specifically means, but there are many other entities besides DOGE that must not access that data,” he stated.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) asked Bisignano if he would guarantee that DOGE’s access to the SSA databases would prevent “private actors from gaining access to Social Security’s data systems.”

Bisignano assured that there would be “a comprehensive review.”

Last week, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against DOGE from accessing the personal data systems of the agency.

“The DOGE Team is essentially conducting a fishing expedition at SSA, looking for a fraud epidemic, based on little more than suspicion,” wrote Judge Ellen Hollander of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

“While addressing potential fraud, waste, and mismanagement in the SSA is vital for public interest, it does not justify illegal government actions,” she added.

Other issues raised during the hearing included the long wait times recipients face when calling the Social Security Administration.

Bisignano stated that during his tenure, there would be multiple avenues for contacting the agency: phone, in person, and online.

“They have to perform effectively,” he emphasized.

“It’s not just about having these options available; we also need to utilize all modern technologies to serve our beneficiaries effectively,” he elaborated.

On phone service, Bisignano explained that average wait times should be evaluated by “the percentage of calls answered within 30 seconds,” particularly given that it sometimes takes up to an hour and a half for callers to reach someone at the SSA.

Another concern was ensuring Social Security recipients receive their benefits on time.

Bisignano committed to achieving this goal if confirmed.

“My initial focus is going to be organizing efforts to deliver the necessary services,” he noted.

Additionally, Bisignano was approached about the potential closure of SSA offices nationwide.

Finally, Bisignano stated he has not contemplated privatizing Social Security.

“I have never considered privatization; it’s not a topic that has been raised with me,” he said.

“I view this organization solely as a government agency established for the benefit of the American public,” he added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.