Senate Committee Debates OMB Budget Increase Amid Calls for Social Security Funding
July 31, 2025 | Appropriations: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations convened on July 31, 2025, to conduct a Full Committee Markup of the Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Acts. The meeting focused on budget allocations for the upcoming fiscal year, particularly addressing concerns regarding the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The session began with discussions surrounding a proposed amendment aimed at reallocating $90 million from OMB's budget to enhance service delivery at the SSA. Senator Van Hollen highlighted the need for this funding, citing a significant impact on SSA operations due to recent challenges, including those stemming from private sector influences. He criticized OMB's request for a 13% budget increase while other agencies face cuts, questioning the necessity of a nearly doubled budget for OMB without clear justification.
Senator Capito responded by emphasizing that the current fiscal year 2026 labor appropriations bill already includes a $100 million increase for SSA administrative expenses, which is $100 million more than the previous year. She argued that the amendment would duplicate efforts already addressed in the base bill and urged colleagues to vote against it.
Further comments from committee members underscored the chronic underfunding of the SSA, with several senators expressing support for the additional funding aimed at improving customer service. Senator Murkowski inquired about the overall increase in the bill compared to the president's budget, confirming that it exceeds the president's proposal by $100 million.
The committee proceeded to a roll call vote on the amendment, which ultimately failed with 14 votes in favor and 15 against. Following this, Senator Murphy expressed his concerns regarding the overall budget, emphasizing the potential for the president to disregard congressional intent in budget allocations, particularly through the use of rescissions and fund reallocations.
The meeting concluded without further amendments being proposed, reflecting ongoing tensions regarding budget priorities and the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch. The committee's decisions will shape the funding landscape for critical services in the upcoming fiscal year.
The session began with discussions surrounding a proposed amendment aimed at reallocating $90 million from OMB's budget to enhance service delivery at the SSA. Senator Van Hollen highlighted the need for this funding, citing a significant impact on SSA operations due to recent challenges, including those stemming from private sector influences. He criticized OMB's request for a 13% budget increase while other agencies face cuts, questioning the necessity of a nearly doubled budget for OMB without clear justification.
Senator Capito responded by emphasizing that the current fiscal year 2026 labor appropriations bill already includes a $100 million increase for SSA administrative expenses, which is $100 million more than the previous year. She argued that the amendment would duplicate efforts already addressed in the base bill and urged colleagues to vote against it.
Further comments from committee members underscored the chronic underfunding of the SSA, with several senators expressing support for the additional funding aimed at improving customer service. Senator Murkowski inquired about the overall increase in the bill compared to the president's budget, confirming that it exceeds the president's proposal by $100 million.
The committee proceeded to a roll call vote on the amendment, which ultimately failed with 14 votes in favor and 15 against. Following this, Senator Murphy expressed his concerns regarding the overall budget, emphasizing the potential for the president to disregard congressional intent in budget allocations, particularly through the use of rescissions and fund reallocations.
The meeting concluded without further amendments being proposed, reflecting ongoing tensions regarding budget priorities and the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch. The committee's decisions will shape the funding landscape for critical services in the upcoming fiscal year.
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