When children die from maltreatment, it sometimes makes international headlines, as in the Caylee Anthony case that drew the focus of millions around the world in recent months. Sometimes the death of a child from maltreatment gains attention due to the shocking details of their treatment while alive.  That is what has happened in the case of 13-year-old Christian Choate, an… Read more

I am pleased to be co-chairing this hearing with my colleague Chairman Howard Coble and his Subcommittee colleagues and thank them for hosting this important hearing.   The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. Both are administered by the Social Security… Read more

As we heard a few weeks ago from the Public Trustees, unless Congress acts, in 2036 Social Security revenues will only cover 77 percent of promised benefits.  Congress must act and the sooner we do so, the sooner we can protect those who are most vulnerable. Republicans and Democrats agree on this much: current benefits should not change for those in or near retirement.  All… Read more

Washington, DC - Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) today delivered opening remarks at the Committee on Ways and Means Non-Markup of the Pending Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea.  Below are excerpts, followed by the full remarks. We Must Act Now "Despite questions about how the House, Senate and Administration proceed on TAA, one thing is perfectly… Read more

I’m excited to be here today.  For four years, I have argued that we must move forward with these three pending agreements but, until recently, saw little or no progress toward that goal.  The Committee held five hearings in which we heard about the job-creating benefits of these three agreements, including a series of three trade subcommittee hearings I chaired on each of the… Read more

Good morning and thank you for joining us today for another in the series of hearings on comprehensive tax reform. Under the leadership of Chairman Camp the Ways & Means Committee has been working through a full assessment of the tax code. From this assessment it’s clear the tax code stifles job creation at a time when unemployment rates in Ohio and across the country remain well… Read more

As we heard from the Public Trustees at our June 3rd hearing, Social Security revenues will cover only 77 percent of benefits by 2036.  Congress must act and the sooner we do so, the sooner we can protect those who are most vulnerable, along with current retirees and those nearing retirement.  And for younger workers and families, we have a responsibility to provide certainty… Read more

(Remarks as Prepared) In today’s hearing, we will review several programs under our jurisdiction that are designed to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children at risk of abuse and neglect. The majority of federal child welfare spending is used to reimburse States… Read more

The American people have just been told by the Trustees for Social Security and Medicare that these programs are headed towards insolvency. So when they hear Social Security is owed billions due to wrongful payments, Americans want, need, and deserve answers. In FY 2009, overpayments totaled $6.5 billion for the retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income or SSI program,… Read more

Good afternoon.  I am pleased to welcome everyone to this afternoon’s joint hearing on payment accuracy in programs administered by the Social Security Administration.  As with past Subcommittee on Oversight hearings on Medicare fraud and refundable tax credits, today’s hearing is aimed at better understanding improper payments in Social Security programs and how taxpayer… Read more