Former Maryland Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley was confirmed Monday as the new Commissioner of the Social Security Administration in a bipartisan 50-11 vote (with many Senators absent), filling a vacancy that has existed since the Biden Administration removed Andrew Saul from the role in July 2021.
Saul, nominated to the post by President Donald Trump and confirmed in a 77-16 vote in June 2019, was removed amid disagreements about how he was running the agency. Kilolo Kijakazi has served as Acting Commissioner of Social Security since.
O’Malley, who was nominated for the post by President Biden in July, will serve until Jan. 19, 2025.
“Throughout his nomination process, Martin O’Malley has made it clear that his No. 1 priority will be improving customer service for the millions of seniors and Americans with disabilities who count on Social Security,” Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) said in a statement on the Senate floor Monday in support of O’Malley.
“Martin O’Malley’s proven leadership will be needed in the days ahead,” Wyden continued. “Americans pay into Social Security out of every paycheck, and they expect it to be there for them, no ifs, ands or buts. That means fixing some of the pressing issues dogging the agency.”
“Martin O’Malley’s proven leadership will be needed in the days ahead.”
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)
Among them? Looming insolvency (Social Security will no longer be able to pay full benefits starting in 2033 unless lawmakers reach a deal before then to shore up the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund), fixing an overpayment problem, and long customer service wait times.
Wyden said Monday O’Malley will brief the Senate Finance Committee monthly until the administration fixes overpayments and other issues.
Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) also praised O’Malley’s confirmation in a statement Monday.
“Martin O’Malley’s extensive career in public service—including as Mayor of Baltimore and Governor of Maryland—has been underscored by transparency, accountability and progress. He will bring these same values to the Social Security Administration,” Cardin said. “Martin is a dedicated public servant who understands what Social Security means to our seniors, disability and survivor beneficiaries, and I am proud to support his confirmation as Social Security Commissioner.”
O’Malley was a member of the Baltimore City Council from 1991 through December 1999 when he became the city’s mayor. He was elected governor of Maryland in 2006 and was reelected to a second four-year term but left office after that under the state’s term limits.
O’Malley mounted an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for president in 2016.
Kijakazi reflects on accomplishments, challenges
Kijakazi released a statement Monday about the agency’s accomplishments and challenges during his time as Acting Commissioner.
“As we approach the end of 2023, I am reflecting on all that the Social Security Administration has accomplished, despite considerable challenges. It’s been my great privilege to lead Social Security’s approximately 60,000 employees for the past two and one-half years, and I’m so proud of the work they’ve done to fulfill our mission,” Kijakazi said. “The scope of what we do is enormous, and we are proud to serve the public every day. Despite our recent history of chronic underfunding, Social Security remains among the most trusted agencies in the Federal Government.”
“Despite our recent history of chronic underfunding, Social Security remains among the most trusted agencies in the Federal Government.”
Kilolo Kijakazi
Social Security’s top priority is, and always will be, working to provide high-quality, timely customer service, Kijakazi said, adding that Social Security employees deliver approximately $1.4 trillion in benefits to more than 70 million people each year, and that each week, Social Security employees serve over 500,000 people from over 1,000 offices across the country.
“Despite insufficient budgets, we have prioritized business, policy and technology improvements to serve you better,” he said.
“Social Security remains a trusted program and agency, one that the public increasingly relies on. We’ve added at least 8 million more beneficiaries in the past 10 years alone. It’s imperative that we can sustain and support our workforce, improve our customers’ experience, communicate clearly with the public, and hone our policies and procedures to provide the service the public expects and deserves. With sufficient and sustained financial support from Congress, Social Security can continue to build on our accomplishments in 2024 and many years to come.”
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