An Update from Drew

Dear Friend,

As you may recall, earlier this month 8 House Republicans joined the entire House Democratic Caucus to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Since then, the House of Representatives has been unable to do any legislative activity on the floor. Many of my colleagues and I have been eager to conduct business and start addressing our country’s most pressing issues, including working to get our fiscal house in order, securing the border, and stopping the radical agenda of the Biden Administration.

In difficult moments like these, we must make the tough decisions and do what is right for America, and Americans. I was proud to support my friend and colleague, Congressman Mike Johnson, as the next Speaker of the House on the floor today. Speaker Johnson is a proven conservative, and willing to do the hard work to fight back against the radical policies of the Biden Administration. I am very proud that the House Republican Conference came together to elect Speaker Johnson.

As we move forward, I remain focused on working on behalf of the people of Georgia’s Third Congressional District – which will always be my number one priority.

Ferguson Chairs Hearing on Improper Payments

Last week, the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee held a hearing to address improper social security payments. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee, I called for this hearing because social security recipients deserve their entitled benefits, and we must get to the root cause of this major issue. Over the last five years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has paid out $16 billion in improper payments. This has caused beneficiaries, who already live on fixed incomes, to either receive less than they are owed, or asked to send money back to the SSA. That is simply unacceptable and the burden should never fall on the beneficiaries. My colleagues and I urged the SSA to implement long outstanding recommendations and to use the tools already at their disposal to stop burdening beneficiaries and taxpayers.

In my opening statement, I reminded everyone that way too many people are falling victim to overpayments by the SSA. We must not turn a blind eye to the inefficiency and incompetence at this agency. We have got to do something about addressing improper payments now and we need to be more proactive in the future. It is our responsibility to lessen the burden on beneficiaries and make this process less complicated.

Click here to watch my opening remarks.

In my first set of questions, I highlighted the large cost disparity between processing retiree claims and disability claims. I pressed Dr. Kijakazi, the Acting SSA Commissioner, on how much it costs to process each claim as well as why they have not implemented a more efficient and cost-effective system for processing claims.

Click here to watch.

In my second set of questions, I highlighted the need for accountability when it comes to the SSA’s large budget. We need to know that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.

Click here to watch.

Click here for additional highlights from the hearing.

WAM Roundtable on No Surprises Act

Last week, I attended a Ways and Means Committee roundtable with representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services to discuss the implementation of the No Surprises Act. The purpose of this hearing was to ensure that patients are protected and that the law is being followed as Congress intended.

DC Meetings

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with David Bergman of Peachtree City and other business leaders from across Georgia to discuss the Generalized System of Preferences program and issues impacting trade.

Stay Connected!

As always, I’m here to serve you. Please contact my office with any questions, comments, or concerns. Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep track of upcoming legislation and events!

If you are having issues with a federal agency or have a casework question, don’t forget to reach out to my Newnan District office at 770-683-2033.

Sincerely,

Drew Ferguson
Member of Congress