Riley, Van Drew Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Social Security Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) today introduced the Social Security Access Act (H.R. 3695), a bipartisan bill to ensure every American can continue accessing vital Social Security services—whether online, over the phone, or in person.

The legislation comes in response to troubling developments from the so-called DOGE committee, whose cost-cutting agenda has already triggered service disruptions, office closures, and reduced call center availability. For Upstate New Yorkers, especially seniors and folks in rural areas, access to assistance with Social Security isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline.

“Our seniors built this country. They worked tough jobs, paid into the system every paycheck, and earned every dime of their benefits,” said Riley. “They deserve better than jammed phone lines, glitchy websites, and shuttered offices. This bill makes it clear: if you paid in, you’re getting through. We’re going to make sure that every person—no matter where they live or how they get around—can access the Social Security benefits they’ve earned.”

The Social Security Access Act mandates that the Social Security Administration maintain and improve access across three critical channels:

• Telephone Service with live, multilingual representatives.
• Online Portals for claims, updates, and support.
• In-Person Assistance at local SSA field offices.

It also blocks attempts to shut down or degrade any of these access points and requires annual reporting on service quality, accessibility, and security.

"When Americans contribute to Social Security with every paycheck, not only are they paying for future benefits — they are also paying for high quality customer service in-person, over the phone, and online. The bipartisan Social Security Access Act would make sure that everyone can access their benefits in the way they choose, without needless barriers in the way. Congress should swiftly pass it into law,” said Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.

Riley’s Record of Delivering for Seniors & Social Security Recipients:

• Introduced legislation to block DOGE's proposed office closures (March 11, 2025).
• Co-sponsored H.R. 1876 to eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits (May 2025).
• Co-sponsored Keep Our SSA Field Offices Open Act (March 2025).
• Sponsored bill to increase the Medicare wage index to better reflect costs in rural communities (March 2025).
• Co-sponsored the No Tax on Social Security Act (H.R. 904) (March 2025).
• Co-sponsored the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) (March 2025).
• Launched mobile office hours to bring SSA help to rural towns (March 2025).
• Secured federal funding for local senior service centers (May 2025).
• Sponsored bill to require data protections for SSA recipients (March 2025).
• Publicly opposed budget plans cutting Medicare, Meals on Wheels, and Head Start (March 2025).
• Called for a full audit of DOGE’s spending and SSA impact (March 18, 2025).

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