The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that takes a critical step to protect the integrity of the Social Security program. The "No Social Security Benefits for Prisoners Act of 2009" was introduced by U.S. Reps. John Tanner (D-TN), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, and Sam Johnson (R-TX), the Ranking Member.
The bill would prevent retroactive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit payments from being issued to individuals in prison, violating parole or probation, or fleeing to avoid prosecution for a felony or crime punishable by more than a one-year sentence.
"As stewards of Social Security, we are obligated to ensure that benefits are not being paid to individuals in prison, those who are violating a condition of parole or probation, or those who are fleeing criminal prosecution or imprisonment," Chairman Tanner said. "This legislation is important to preserve and protect the integrity of Social Security."
The Social Security Act already bars payment of current monthly benefits to such individuals. This bill ensures this prohibition applies to retroactive benefit payments as well.
The bipartisan legislation was passed under suspension of the rules. The Senate would need to consider similar legislation.
Tanner represents the 8th Congressional District in West and Middle Tennessee. Co-founder of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats, Tanner serves on the Ways and Means Committee, where he chairs the Social Security Subcommittee, and on the Foreign Affairs Committee. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Tennessee Army National Guard, Tanner chairs the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and is serving as NATO PA President.