Andrew Saul was removed as Commissioner of Social Security on July 9, 2021. There has not yet been a nomination of a new Commissioner. I have no prediction for when the nomination will come but I think it’s time.
Clearly no one in Washington cares or else it would have been addressed already. The welfare of the American public is not a priority for them...unless you're wealthy.
I've said it before, the Biden administration shares DNA with the Obama administration and there was no desire whatsoever to spend one iota of political capital on appointing a commissioner of SSA. I don't know if it is benign neglect or some tacit agreement that the program should be left adrift so they can drastically change it. Don't maintain it and then when it breaks down say, "Golly! That sure doesn't work. We should do something different."
If it ain't broke, break it or at least let it fall apart.
The acting Commissioner seems to be doing a good job especially compared with Saul. Much better relationship with employees. Why not make her permanent?
How difficult would it be to submit a nomination for the position? Taking such a simple action is not complicated. But, government seems to make everything simple complicated.
Honestly who cares. I remember grilling Astrue at NOSSCR conferences about why there is a Medicare waiting period, which to me is the biggest injustice of the whole SSD/SSI system.
Astrue was a pretty good politician and tried to answer it. But basically it was put in to save the U.S. federal government money.
Either way, they have really lacked any kind of clear leadership since Astrue left. I doubt any new SSA commish will ever complete the full term if a new President from a different party is installed every 4 years. So the job description may say like 6 years. But in reality, it will be over once a new Prez comes in.
Better Call Saul obviously was a disaster from the start with his disdain for telework. Then, he tried to embrace it. Not sure if Biden actually had legal grounds for termination but it had to be done. But any Trump appointee was doomed to stink.
I also blame Obama a little for this. He had a window after Astrue left from 2013-15 to install a commish. What happened? I don't remember him trying too hard. I just remember him schilling for his buddy Andrew Eanes for Deputy SSA commish in February 2016. https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_020416.html
Whomever Biden picks, the Republicans will oppose -- unless it's Saul. DeJoy's days are also probably numbered. It's easier for Biden to stick with an acting Commissioner for now.
The position of Social Security Commissioner is a microcosm of the US today in that even a position such as this has become a political football. Ridiculous.
Saul burned his bridges early by ending telework and otherwise acting like a right wing dictator. Also he had no government experience and didn’t understand the agency. So glad he’s gone and I wish Dejoy would follow him out the door he’s messed up the post office.
It’s a joy to have an acting commissioner at SSA who is reasonable, cares about employees and is willing to work with AFGE. Make her permanent.
Clearly no one in Washington cares or else it would have been addressed already. The welfare of the American public is not a priority for them...unless you're wealthy.
ReplyDeleteI've said it before, the Biden administration shares DNA with the Obama administration and there was no desire whatsoever to spend one iota of political capital on appointing a commissioner of SSA. I don't know if it is benign neglect or some tacit agreement that the program should be left adrift so they can drastically change it. Don't maintain it and then when it breaks down say, "Golly! That sure doesn't work. We should do something different."
ReplyDeleteIf it ain't broke, break it or at least let it fall apart.
ReplyDeleteThe acting Commissioner seems to be doing a good job especially compared with Saul. Much better relationship with employees. Why not make her permanent?
How difficult would it be to submit a nomination for the position? Taking such a simple action is not complicated. But, government seems to make everything simple complicated.
ReplyDeleteHonestly who cares. I remember grilling Astrue at NOSSCR conferences about why there is a Medicare waiting period, which to me is the biggest injustice of the whole SSD/SSI system.
ReplyDeleteAstrue was a pretty good politician and tried to answer it. But basically it was put in to save the U.S. federal government money.
Either way, they have really lacked any kind of clear leadership since Astrue left. I doubt any new SSA commish will ever complete the full term if a new President from a different party is installed every 4 years. So the job description may say like 6 years. But in reality, it will be over once a new Prez comes in.
Better Call Saul obviously was a disaster from the start with his disdain for telework. Then, he tried to embrace it. Not sure if Biden actually had legal grounds for termination but it had to be done. But any Trump appointee was doomed to stink.
I also blame Obama a little for this. He had a window after Astrue left from 2013-15 to install a commish. What happened? I don't remember him trying too hard. I just remember him schilling for his buddy Andrew Eanes for Deputy SSA commish in February 2016. https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/testimony_020416.html
Whomever Biden picks, the Republicans will oppose -- unless it's Saul. DeJoy's days are also probably numbered. It's easier for Biden to stick with an acting Commissioner for now.
ReplyDeleteThe WH has until February to appoint a nominee, lest SSA run afoul of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act again.
ReplyDeleteWho in their right or left mind would want the job? It is a horrible job.
ReplyDeleteThe position of Social Security Commissioner is a microcosm of the US today in that even a position such as this has become a political football. Ridiculous.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteSaul burned his bridges early by ending telework and otherwise acting like a right wing dictator. Also he had no government experience and didn’t understand the agency. So glad he’s gone and I wish Dejoy would follow him out the door he’s messed up the post office.
It’s a joy to have an acting commissioner at SSA who is reasonable, cares about employees and is willing to work with AFGE. Make her permanent.