President’s appointment of privatization supporter to Deputy Commissioner of Social Security Administration rejected by Democrat leadership…Look for ‘recess appointment’

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) announced on Wednesday that the committee will not take up the nomination of Andrew Biggs to be Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration. 

Sen. Baucus said the committee would neither consider nor hold hearings on the President's choice of Mr. Biggs, who was nominated but not confirmed for the post last year as well. 

President Bush could still do a recess appointment, however.  "Any time you prevent the number-two position at the Social Security Administration from going to someone who supports privatization, you've taken a giant step toward protecting Social Security," said George J. Kourpias, President of the Alliance.  "The Alliance thanks Sen. Baucus for looking out for seniors' best interests."

 Statement by Barbara B. Kennelly, CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

"Andrew Biggs' support of private accounts tells only part of the story.  He has built a career creating strategies which would destroy Social Security.  The SSA needs leadership which supports its mission not plans its destruction.  A recess appointment of Mr. Biggs would also send a clear
message on where this administration's priorities truly lie"

"48 million Americans depend on Social Security each year.  It is the nation's most successful and trusted government program.  But President Bush's nominee to become the Deputy Commissioner of Social Security, Andrew Biggs, wants Social Security dismantled. 

"The National Committee sent a letter in November to Senators Max Baucus and Harry Reid urging the rejection of Mr. Biggs' nomination.  That letter can be found on our website at www.ncpssm.org.

"In 1999, Biggs authored a Congressional Institute white paper* proposing private accounts as a way to shift seniors away from government retirement programs in favor of private markets.  Biggs wrote, 'In that way, Social Security reform featuring Personal Retirement Accounts doesn't send just one liberal sacred cow to the slaughterhouse.  It sends the whole herd.' Biggs has also been investigated for allegedly violating a federal ban on congressional lobbying by federal employees while serving as an Associate Commissioner at the SSA.

"We urge the President to look for a new nominee whose goals are to preserve Social Security not destroy it".