Bresnahan Introduces Legislation to Prevent Social Security Furloughs During Shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC: On Friday, U.S. Representatives Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) introduced H.R. 5893, the Guaranteed Uninterrupted Access to Retiree Disbursements, or GUARD, Act. This bipartisan bill ensures the Social Security Administration (SSA) remains fully operational and responsive to the American people during government shutdowns.

The GUARD Act provides Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations funding for the SSA and requires the agency to continue responding to Congressional casework inquiries during any lapse in federal funding. The measure will prevent the furlough of more than 6,000 SSA employees and ensure that seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families continue receiving timely help with their Social Security benefits.

“Seniors in Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the country depend on the Social Security Administration and its staff for support, regardless of a government shutdown,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “I am proud to co-lead bipartisan legislation with Rep. Sykes to ensure the SSA has the resources it needs to keep serving the American people during a government shutdown. The GUARD Act guarantees the SSA can continue processing claims and responding to congressional casework inquiries, because our seniors and constituents should never be left waiting due to Washington gridlock.”

“Social Security is a lifeline for millions of Americans, and its services should never be held hostage to partisan gridlock,” said Rep. Sykes. “During this shutdown, my office has been unable to help constituents with their Social Security cases — something no member of Congress should have to tell the people they serve. The GUARD Act will protect seniors, families, and workers by keeping these essential services running and accessible.”

In response to the ongoing government shutdown, SSA recently updated its contingency plan, which resulted in the furlough of 6,197 out of 51,825 employees. While the agency continues to issue benefits and conduct limited operations, it has halted all responses to congressional inquiries, preventing congressional offices from assisting constituents with ongoing Social Security cases.

In Pennsylvania’s Eighth Congressional District, there are 193,172 Social Security recipients, including 139,964 retirees, 27,110 disabled workers, 9,884 widows, 12,463 children, and 3,751 spouses, collectively receiving $349 million in monthly benefits. Additionally, Rep. Bresnahan’s district is home to multiple Social Security offices, including a federal call center employing several hundred federal employees. 

 By providing SSA with targeted funding and clear requirements for maintaining constituent services, the GUARD Act will ensure these individuals are not left without recourse during future funding lapses.

You can find the bill text here.

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