May 09, 2025
Senate Confirms Frank Bisignano as SSA Commissioner Despite Controversy Over His DOGE Connections, Lack of Relevant Experience
The Senate confirmed Frank Bisignano to head the Social Security Administration (SSA) along party lines on Tuesday, with a 53-47 vote. His term – set to expire in January 2031 – coincides
with a tumultuous period for the agency, as Elon Musk and operatives from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) work to gain access to Americans’ most personal information and
possibly dismantle the agency.
“Mr. Bisignano’s testimony before the Senate, along with his long career in the finance and tech sectors, provides no reassurance that he understands — let alone prioritizes — the needs of older
and disabled Americans,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance, in a statement. “We remain alarmed by the risk that he will support privatization schemes or replace essential SSA workers with AI systems, which could undermine the quality and accessibility of services.”
The evening before the vote, the Alliance joined Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY), Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (MA), Sen. Ron Wyden (OR), Rep. John Larson (CT), former Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley, AFT President Randi Weingarten, Social Security Works President Nancy Altman, and retirees and members of AFSCME and AFT for a “Hands Off Social Security” rally.
Maryland Alliance member Pam Parker spoke at the event, criticizing DOGE’s efforts to dismantle the SSA: “Let me be clear: This isn’t about efficiency, this isn’t about preventing fraud, this is about making it harder for seniors and people with disabilities to access the benefits they’ve earned,” said Parker. “This is nothing less than a cruel, calculated plan to weaken Social Security.”
Alliance members sent nearly 15,000 letters to their Senators urging them to vote no on Bisignano’s confirmation.
“We will continue watching to see what Mr. Bisignano does next,” said Robert Roach, Jr., President of the Alliance. “Our members won’t stop speaking out and demanding that the Social Security Administration put the needs of retirees first.”
This was originally published in the May 9, 2025 edition of the Friday Alert. Read the full length version and see other Friday Alert editions here.