Dear Friend,

Over the past few months, my office has received over 10,000 messages from constituents concerned that Trump and Musk will take away Social Security benefits as they press forward with their agenda to gut essential programs. I hear you. It’s unacceptable that this administration is peddling disinformation about a program that millions of Americans not only rely on, but have paid into their entire working lives. 

Recently, unelected billionaire Elon Musk called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” Trump has also lied about widespread fraud at the Social Security Administration (SSA), falsely asserting that millions of people as old as 150 are fraudulently receiving Social Security benefits.

Trump and Musk have followed through on their threats to Social Security, with DOGE paving the way for 7,000 SSA workers to be fired. At least 40 Field Offices across the country report that these staffing reductions result in the loss of more than a quarter of their staff, leading to longer wait times for appointments and longer lines once people arrive. 

Even after cutting thousands of SSA jobs, the Acting Commissioner has reportedly sought additional reductions. A reduction in resources for SSA means seniors will have longer wait times for the 1-800 number and an increased backlog for beneficiaries trying to access their earned benefits. 

Although Democrats are in the minority, we are still able to hold the Trump Administration accountable through court challenges, public hearings, and investigations. I have filed several briefs in support of lawsuits that are stopping Trump and Musk in their tracks. Recently, I exposed the impact of Trump’s cuts to other agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and will be questioning Treasury Secretary Bessent in an upcoming hearing. 

In addition, I’ve signed letters urging both Speaker Mike Johnson not to cut Social Security and for Acting Commissioner Dudek to reverse the mass layoffs that will devastate SSA’s ability to deliver Social Security payments. My Democratic colleagues and I will also continue advocating for the Social Security 2100 Act, which would increase benefits across-the-board, improve the accuracy of the annual cost-of-living adjustment, and strengthen service delivery.

Nearly 130,000 individuals in IL-11 rely on Social Security. As your representative, I will continue fighting to ensure this essential program remains strong for current and future generations. If you are experiencing delays in receiving your Social Security payment or any other problems with the Social Security Administration, please reach out to our office here or by calling (630) 585-7672 and we will do what we can to assist you. 

Sincerely,

Bill Foster
Member of Congress