The Biden administration has urged Congress to ensure uninterrupted funding for election security and presidential transition efforts, even if an agreement on government financing for fiscal 2025 is not reached. In a notable move, the White House also reiterated its full budget request of $15.4 billion for the Social Security Administration (SSA), reflecting the administration’s readiness for a potential continuing resolution to maintain government funding past September.
Every August, as the deadline approaches for lawmakers to finalize the budget for the upcoming fiscal year starting October 1, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submits a list of “budget anomalies.” These anomalies often address the need for renewed spending authorities and other temporary solutions to support ongoing government programs and upcoming initiatives.
Last week, OMB presented its request to Congress in a 30-page document. In a departure from standard practice, it emphasized the need for funding SSA’s administrative functions at the proposed fiscal 2025 budget level. Currently, SSA’s operations are funded at $14.2 billion, and without this anomaly, those levels would continue, leading to potential staffing shortages.
The White House’s submission anticipates that a continuing resolution will be necessary until “mid-December.” It warns that without increased funding, SSA could face its lowest staffing levels in nearly 50 years by the conclusion of the resolution period.
OMB noted, “Language is needed to provide the Social Security Administration a rate for operations of $15.4 billion in the Limitation on Administrative Expenses account to enhance customer service and prevent historic lows in staffing levels.” SSA is currently experiencing heightened workloads, with call volumes peaking at the beginning of the fiscal year.
Additionally, the document outlines how a stagnant budget could further impede services at SSA, leading to poorer IT support for staff, closures of local field offices, and restricted hours at others. It stated, “Without the anomaly, SSA would be required to cut funding for essential IT operations, including network support.”
Funding for the Social Security Administration differs from other federal agencies in that the cost of administering Social Security benefits is financed through federal payroll taxes rather than the U.S. Treasury. This budget, historically set at 1.2% of benefit payouts, has recently fallen below 1% as it became part of the discretionary budget process under President George W. Bush.
Biden’s budget request is significant as it exceeds amounts allocated by either chamber of Congress for the agency in fiscal 2025. The House, controlled by Republicans, proposes a $450 million reduction from current funding, whereas the Senate’s bill anticipates a $500 million increase.
Furthermore, the administration’s anomaly request aims to secure funding for the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and both the White House’s and the General Services Administration’s presidential transition activities ahead of the 2024 election. It also seeks an additional $436 million for the Office of Personnel Management to facilitate the launch of the Postal Service Health Benefits Program this fall.