In this month’s column, I want to discuss one of the bedrocks of our nation: Social Security.

Social Security is a promise to the American people, that if you put in the time and pay into the system your entire life, you can retire with security and dignity.

In our district, over 112,000 constituents rely on Social Security: 83,000 retirees, 6,969 children, 6,348 widows, 4,671 spouses, and 11,234 disabled workers. That’s over 112,000 reasons why we must defend and protect this vital program.

However, recent decisions made at the federal level regarding the Social Security Administration are putting the security of those benefits at risk. These changes are not just bureaucratic adjustments, and they are not about efficiency — they are significant steps backward to weaken and jeopardize thousands of vulnerable Americans, especially the elderly and disabled.

As your congressman, I feel it is my responsibility to speak out and stand up for those across our community who rely on this program, particularly when there are threats that could hinder their access to the benefits they’ve earned through decades of hard work.

First, the decision to lay off a significant portion of the SSA’s workforce is troubling. The Social Security Administration plays an essential role in helping people navigate the system, process claims, and provide the services millions of Americans depend on. Losing staff at the SSA means longer wait times, reduced........

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