The Biden administration has urged Congress to prioritize funding for election security and presidential transition efforts as they anticipate the need for a continuing resolution to maintain government operations beyond September. This appeal comes as lawmakers face time constraints in reaching a funding agreement for the fiscal year 2025, which begins on October 1.
Every August, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) compiles a list of “budget anomalies” for Congress to consider in a short-term funding resolution. These anomalies often comprise necessary renewals of spending authorities and other temporary fixes to support ongoing government initiatives.
Last week, OMB submitted its list to Congress, which included a significant request for the Social Security Administration (SSA). The administration is seeking to fund SSA’s administrative operations at a proposed $15.4 billion for the fiscal year 2025. Currently, without this adjustment, SSA’s funding would remain at $14.2 billion annually under a continuing resolution.
The administration’s request signals an expectation that a continuing resolution may be required until “mid-December.” The White House indicated that without increased funding, SSA would reach its lowest staffing levels in nearly fifty years by the conclusion of the resolution.
OMB stated, “Language is needed to provide the Social Security Administration a rate for operations of $15.4 billion… in order to improve current levels of customer service and avoid the lowest staffing levels in more than 50 years during the period of the CR.” The agency is already experiencing heightened workloads, particularly during the fiscal year’s first quarter.
The administration outlined how a stagnant budget would negatively impact SSA’s services, potentially resulting in degraded IT support, closures of local offices, and reduced operating hours. “Without the anomaly, SSA would be required to reduce funding for core information technology operations, including SSA’s network support,” they explained. This could lead to extended wait times for seniors and individuals with disabilities seeking assistance.
Unlike many federal agencies, the SSA is funded through federal payroll taxes rather than the U.S. Treasury. Historically, funding for Social Security administration was capped at 1.2% of benefit outlays until it was incorporated into discretionary budgeting during President George W. Bush’s administration, leading to a decline that has seen it fall below 1%.
Biden’s funding request stands out since it exceeds the amounts proposed by both chambers of Congress for the agency in fiscal 2025. The Republican-led House suggests a $450 million cut from current levels, while the Senate plan includes a half-billion dollar increase.
Additionally, the administration’s request encompasses provisions to ensure continued funding for the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and the presidential transition activities managed by the White House and General Services Administration ahead of the 2024 election. It also seeks an extra $436 million for the Office of Personnel Management as it prepares to implement the Postal Service Health Benefits Program this fall.