1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Transitioning critical systems like the Social Security Administration's databases from legacy programming languages like COBOL to modern ones is an immense undertaking that requires meticulous planning and years of work to avoid disrupting benefits payments to millions of Americans. An expedited rewrite of the entire SSA codebase in just a few months, as proposed by DOGE, carries unacceptable risks of system failures, calculation errors, or complete payment stoppages that could leave vulnerable people without their earned benefits. A measured, responsible modernization timeline spanning several years is the only prudent path forward to preserve this vital social safety net. Recklessly rushing this process jeopardizes the financial security of tens of millions who rely on these benefits. We urge an immediate reconsideration of this dangerous proposal in favor of a cautious, multi-year transition plan developed by experienced technologists and policy experts to protect both systems and people.