Reps. Sykes and Bresnahan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Social Security Services During Government Shutdowns

Reps. Sykes and Bresnahan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Social Security Services During Government Shutdowns

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Rob Bresnahan (PA-08) introduced 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.

"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."

"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."

In response to the ongoing government shutdown, the Social Security Administration 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.

Since the shutdown began on October 1, 2025, the Sykes district office has been unable to advance 51 open Social Security casework requests, leaving many Ohioans without help as they attempt to resolve issues such as delayed or incorrect benefit payments.

The impact of these disruptions is significant. In Ohio's 13th Congressional District alone, there are 175,025 Social Security recipients, including 129,266 retirees, 20,542 disabled workers, 11,536 widows, 9,785 children, and 4,896 spouses, collectively receiving $308 million in monthly benefits.

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

Background

The Guaranteed Uninterrupted Access to Retiree Disbursements (GUARD) Act provides Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations funding for the Social Security Administration to prevent furloughs and maintain operations. It also requires the SSA to continue responding to Congressional inquiries and constituent casework during government shutdowns. Without this funding, the SSA's contingency plan would continue to furlough more than 6,000 employees and suspend casework assistance nationwide.

You can find the bill text HERE.