Baucus Urges Confirmation of Colvin as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security

Finance Chair Says Nominee Will Handle Duties as Deputy Commissioner Admirably

Washington, DC – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) commented today following a committee hearing on the nomination of Carolyn Colvin to be the Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA).  He made clear his support for Colvin’s confirmation to the position, given her extensive record of public service in numerous offices, including key leadership positions at the Social Security Administration, and her dedication to the agency’s mission.

“Carolyn Colvin is, without question, the right person to be Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration,” Baucus said. “Ms. Colvin is exactly the kind of experienced, capable nominee we need to guide the Social Security Administration into the future.  Ms. Colvin knows the agency’s mission and challenges well, and I have every confidence she will handle her duties as Deputy Commissioner admirably.”

Baucus stressed the importance of sound leadership at SSA, given the myriad challenges facing the program in the years and decades to come.  Ms. Colvin previously served at the SSA as Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Deputy Commissioner of Policy & External Affairs and Deputy Commissioner for Policy and Programs, and voiced confidence in her ability to manage and lead upon her return.  

Baucus cited that Colvin’s extensive experience as a public servant both at the Social Security Administration and elsewhere qualifies her to face the challenges facing the program.  He noted that the Social Security Administration has evolved since 2001 when Colvin last served there, and questioned her on how she will lead the program past the various hurdles it faces, including a lengthy claims backlog, as Deputy Commissioner.  Colvin expressed enthusiasm for new electronic systems that will help to clear the backlog and voiced her commitment to preserving the fiscal viability of the Social Security program.

###

• Print
• Email
• Tweet