GAO Finds SSA Foot-Dragging on Enhancing Security of Social Security Cards

GAO Finds SSA Foot-Dragging on Enhancing
Security of Social Security Cards
Sensenbrenner: Report Illustrates Why Employer Verification in House-Passed Border Security Bill is Essential
WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner (R -
Wis.) today announced the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that
finds the Social Security Administration (SSA) has stalled compliance with the Intelligence
Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act requirements that the SSA undertake strong efforts to
safeguard the Social Security card.
"This report illustrates why the employment verification provisions in the House-passed border
security bill are essential. The Social Security card, and the ease with which it is counterfeited in
dark alleys across the United States, is the weakest link among the documents presented to
employers. We need to move beyond a paper based employment verification system as soon as
possible. However, that does not excuse foot-dragging by the SSA," Chairman Sensenbrenner
stated.
Chairman Sensenbrenner added, "I would like to see the Attorney General, the FBI Director, and
the Secretary of Homeland Security participate actively in the ongoing interagency task force,
and press the Commissioner of Social Security to take the Congressional mandate and do a lot
more than just issue another paper card that anyone can counterfeit on a good copy machine."

http://judiciary.house.gov/media/pdfs/GAOSSAstate32906.pdf