The Biden administration has made a formal request to Congress, urging that funding for Social Security, election security, and presidential transition efforts be maintained in the event of a continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government operating beyond the fiscal year 2024 deadline of September 30th. This request highlights the administration’s concern over potential funding shortfalls that could severely impact essential services, especially if Congress fails to agree on a full budget for fiscal year 2025.
Each year, as Congress faces the challenge of finalizing the federal budget, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) typically submits a list of “budget anomalies.” These anomalies are specific adjustments or extensions that the administration deems necessary to maintain critical government functions under a temporary funding arrangement like a CR. Such requests often include measures to renew spending authorities or provide temporary fixes to ensure ongoing government operations.
Last week, the OMB submitted its latest list of budget anomalies to Congress, which includes a notable request to fund the Social Security Administration (SSA) at the level proposed in President Biden’s fiscal year 2025 budget—$15.4 billion. This request is unusual because, under a CR, the SSA would generally continue to operate at its current funding level of $14.2 billion. The administration argues that without the additional $1.2 billion, the SSA could face severe operational challenges, including staffing shortages that would bring the agency to its lowest staffing levels in over 50 years.
The OMB’s submission emphasizes that the SSA is already dealing with increased workloads and high call volumes, particularly during the first quarter of the fiscal year. The proposed funding increase is intended to improve customer service and prevent further degradation of service. The administration warns that if the SSA does not receive the requested funding, the agency may have to reduce core IT operations, close some field offices, shorten the hours of others, and significantly extend wait times for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Unlike most federal agencies, the SSA is funded not through the U.S. Treasury but directly from federal payroll taxes, which cover the cost of administering Social Security retirement and disability benefits. Historically, this budget was set at 1.2% of benefit outlays, but it was brought into the discretionary budget process during President George W. Bush’s administration. In recent years, SSA’s budget has decreased to below 1% of benefit outlays.
President Biden’s request for $15.4 billion is higher than the funding levels proposed by either chamber of Congress for fiscal year 2025. The House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans, has suggested cutting the SSA’s budget by $450 million, while the Senate’s appropriations bill proposes a $500 million increase. The administration’s higher funding request reflects the importance it places on maintaining SSA’s capacity to serve the public effectively.
In addition to the SSA funding request, the Biden administration’s budget anomalies submission includes provisions to ensure that the Presidential Election Campaign Fund and the presidential transition activities of both the White House and the General Services Administration (GSA) continue to be funded as the 2024 election approaches. These provisions are critical for ensuring a smooth electoral process and presidential transition, especially if a new administration is set to take office.
Moreover, the OMB has requested an additional $436 million for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This funding is necessary as OPM prepares to launch the Postal Service Health Benefits Program, a new initiative set to begin this fall. The request underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that this important program is implemented smoothly and on time.
As the deadline for funding the government approaches, the Biden administration’s requests highlight the potential risks and consequences of a CR that does not adequately address the needs of critical government functions. The outcome of these requests will depend on ongoing negotiations between the White House and Congress, with significant implications for the SSA, the upcoming presidential election, and other vital government operations.
