1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

Our nation's Social Security system is under grave threat, jeopardizing the financial security of millions of Americans who rely on it for income. Recent remarks by officials dismissing the importance of missed payments reveal a concerning disconnect and indifference to the hardship caused by disruptions to this vital program. Social Security is not a Ponzi scheme, as some have falsely alleged, but a foundational social insurance program that has never missed a payment in its 80-year history. The system is being actively undermined through underfunding, staffing cuts, office closures, and rhetoric eroding public confidence. These actions are unacceptable and must be immediately reversed. All laid-off employees, including cybersecurity experts and field representatives, need to be rehired to restore the agency's capacity to serve the public effectively. Planned office closures should be canceled, and call center staffing expanded to reduce wait times and rebuild trust. Social Security is not just a source of comfort but a lifeline for survival for millions, particularly older women who rely on it for most or all of their income. Disrupting these vital payments would create a humanitarian crisis for families and neighborhoods across the country. We cannot allow political ideology or fiscal austerity to dismantle one of our nation's most successful and essential social programs. Congress and the administration must act swiftly to protect and strengthen Social Security by properly funding the system, rebuilding its workforce, and countering misinformation campaigns against it. The trust and security of tens of millions of Americans depends on decisive action to safeguard this crucial program for current and future generations.