SOCIAL SECURITY

News Release

Statement of Michael J. Astrue,
Commissioner of Social Security,
Regarding the Agency’s Fiscal Year 2007 Budget
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Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today issued the following statement regarding the agency’s Fiscal Year 2007 Budget:

“President Bush has signed the Fiscal Year 2007 Continuing Appropriations Resolution that includes annual funding for the Social Security Administration.  The good news is the $9.3 billion allocation includes sufficient funds to avoid employee furloughs, which were a real possibility if the agency had to operate at funding levels considered by Congress earlier in the year.   

“The resolution is an increase of about $185 million for Social Security’s administrative expenses when compared to the agency’s FY 2006 appropriation.  However, it is a reduction of about $200 million when compared to the FY 2007 budget President Bush requested for the agency.   

“I want to thank the Administration and Members of Congress who worked to ensure our employees could continue to serve the people who depend on Social Security.  I am confident that Social Security employees will continue to do all that they can to provide the public with the service they need.”

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