Congressman Cuellar (TX-28) released the following statement after receiving notice Social Security field offices will be closing 30 minutes early each day beginning on August 15, 2011.

“Seniors, retired and disabled workers depend on Social Security field offices to assist in card applications, benefits and other essential services every day. I have been notified that due to budget constraints, hours of operations at field offices will be closing 30 minutes early. This is an example of how drastic spending cuts have a direct impact on our daily activities,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Our Republican colleagues, who hold the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, have repeatedly requested and implemented draconian cuts, including funding Social Security nearly $1 billion less than the President’s budget request for fiscal year 2011. Now, we are faced with a serious dilemma as Social Security offices close early and adapt to tighter budgets. I will continue to work to preserve Social Security and urge my Republican colleagues to work with Democrats to protect these vital programs before we see more offices closing their doors to the public at inconvenient times.”   
 
Background:

Members of Congress received a letter last week from the Social Security Administration citing a “tight budget situation” as reason for closing Social Security field offices thirty minutes early each day. As an example, an office open to the public Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm will now close daily at 3:30 p.m.

The fiscal year 2011 budget, passed by a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, funded the Social Security Administration $1 billion less than the President’s budget requested. As a result, field offices have lost nearly 1600 workers over the past nine months and cannot afford to replace staff. To deal with the loss of staff members, the Social Security Administration will close offices early and will fully close field offices to the public on November 25, 2011 so staff may reduce the backlog.