Sessions Announces Hearing on Post-Pandemic Backlogs and Delays at Federal Agencies

WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) will hold a hearing titled “Please Leave Your Message at the Tone: Addressing Post-Pandemic Backlogs and Delays at Federal Agencies.” The subcommittee hearing will examine the backlogs of military and civil service personnel records requests, the Social Security Administration’s customer service line and disability claims, and passport backlogs. This hearing will also examine what steps agencies are taking to clear backlogs and provide timely service and support to the American people.

“During the pandemic, backlogs and delays at the National Personnel Records Center, U.S. Social Security Administration, and the State Department grew exponentially. The backlogs have harmed service members’ ability to obtain records required for loan applications and government benefits, created poor customer service across agencies, and slowed passport processing. The American people rely on these services, so it is important to know what progress has been made in clearing these backlogs as well as what steps are planned or in progress to prevent them from happening again. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses before the subcommittee on what plans are in place at these federal agencies to clear the backlogs, and ensure acceptable service now and in the future,” said Subcommittee Chairman Sessions.

WHAT: Hearing titled “Please Leave Your Message at the Tone: Addressing Post-Pandemic Backlogs and Delays at Federal Agencies.”

DATE: Wednesday, June 21, 2023

TIME: 2:00 p.m. ET

LOCATION: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building

WITNESSES:

• Mr. Chad M. Poist, Deputy Commissioner for Budget, Finance, and Management, United States Social Security Administration
• Mr. Scott Levins, Director, National Personnel Records Center
• The Honorable Rena Bitter, Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State

The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at https://oversight.house.gov/.