People close to Goss and Astrue said the disagreements involved personal chemistry, Social Security policy and the technical quality of Goss' work on disability programs — not political ideology.
Relations have been strained since late 2008, when the two men clashed over the scope of the actuary's independence. Basically, aides said, the commissioner views Goss as a conscientious employee and agrees he is free to use data as he sees fit.
But, they said, in an effort to keep the agency out of politics, Astrue has sometimes tried to limit what Goss can say publicly about Social Security, and Goss has sometimes bridled at the restraints. ...
Astrue has expressed reservations about Goss' performance in annual evaluations that could be used to justify action against him, lawmakers said.
The commissioner has complained, on occasion, of insubordinate conduct by Goss, who insists he is simply trying to preserve the independence and integrity of the office.
Like partners in a bad marriage, Goss and Astrue may be stuck with each other for a while.
Congress seems very interested in this dispute. The article indicates that there have been letters from Congressional leaders to the Obama Administration stating that Goss should not be reassigned or demoted. The hearings scheduled for this week before the Senate Finance Committee and the House Social Security Subcommittee will apparently deal, at least in part, with the Astrue-Goss dispute.
One unimportant question: Is Stephen Goss related to Porter Goss, the Florida Republican who was at one time the Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee and who later had a major flameout as CIA director?
I don' tknow anything about Goss v. Astrue, but Astrue has repeatedly shown himself to be a 'my way or the highway' kind of guy. I am an ALJ and all Astrue wants is his way; complete control. The heck with right or wron or due process; whatever it takes for him to make him name. . .
ReplyDeleteThe letter (mentioned elsewhere in SS News today) Rangel's staff wrote to Goss is certainly the best of its type (a "drop dead" letter) I have ever seen. Brilliant staff work! I have gained some insight into Astrue's management style here. I agree with A#1 that Astrue has shown little inclination to be flexible in conflicts with subordinates and others. On the other hand, I think that Ways and Means pointed to some major conflicts with existing law in the proposed rule being discussed in it. Goss seems to have gotten in over his head on this issue, to put it mildly. They seem to be made for each other. Boy,am I glad I'm retired. You all in ODAR certainly have enough to worry about without this stuff piled on. Nancy Ortiz
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/us/politics/11benefits.html
ReplyDeleteMore of interest on the Astrue/Goss issue. You will note in the link above (or address--can't remember if this site accepts links in comments) the Chairman of the SS Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee has jumped in to defend Goss. Fascinating, considering Rangel's staff's response to Goss in the aforementioned drop dead letter. Verrryyyy interrrrreessstink. But, iz only bureaucratz. Nancy Ortiz
Is this related to the delayed Trustees report?
ReplyDeleteI say, fire Astrue for tampering with the numbers, and fire Goss for not handing his work in on time, and then everyone will be happy. There are plenty of good people here at HQs who could fill their shoes.
The last poster makes the trustees report seem like a homework assignment. If you think Goss (or Astrue for that matter) has done anything inappropriate with the Trustees' estimates, you are plain dumb.
ReplyDeleteOne last time - the new health care bill will have an effect on the economy. Both trustees reports (Social Security and Medicare) project the economy for a long future period. Not only that, the Social Security report contains Medicare information. As a result, the reports are delayed. There is no insidious plot or cover-up.