Washington, Apr 29 - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) today responded to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) recent decision to close their Clinton, IA office:

“I’m disappointed that the Social Security Administration is moving forward with plans to close the Clinton office,” Braley said.  “Our seniors and disabled citizens deserve full access to SSA services.  The Clinton office currently serves over 11,000 seniors, disabled, and other beneficiaries.  With baby boomers on the edge of retirement, the demand for Social Security services in Clinton is only going to grow.  Social Security’s decision to close the Clinton office will make travel and communication more difficult for area residents. 

“I believe the Social Security Administration must consider community needs before moving ahead with plans to close area offices.   That’s why I’ve signed on to legislation that would prohibit any further Social Security office closures unless the SSA justifies the need to close these offices to Congress.”

Rep. Braley has signed on to HR 5110, a bill that would prohibit the Social Security Administration from closing offices unless the SSA submits a report to Congress that outlines and justifies the process for selecting field offices to be closed.  This report must consider factors ‘relating to transportation and communication burdens faced by seniors and the disabled.’ 

The Clinton Social Security office is scheduled to close by June 1, 2008.  After that time, all current Clinton casework will be handled out of the Davenport Social Security office.