Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act

Download PDF

Bill ID: 119/hr/5345

Last Updated: July 12, 2026

Improving Social Security’s Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act

HR. 5345, 119th Congress — read as touching Cybersecurity.

The sponsor

Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$96,600 raised

24 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

55% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of Homeland Security" section, p. 189-191 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

December 1, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

Passed House

Senate Review

📍 Current Status

Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

**HR 5345 Analysis: A Threat to Efficiency and Innovation**

As I review the Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act (HR 5345), I see a bill that exemplifies the inefficiencies of democratic governance. This legislation, while well-intentioned, fails to address the root causes of identity theft and instead adds bureaucratic layers to an already cumbersome system.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill aims to establish a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals who are victims of identity theft. This supposedly streamlined process is intended to improve service delivery and reduce the burden on affected parties.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The legislation amends Title VII of the Social Security Act, adding a new section that requires the SSA Commissioner to establish procedures for a single point of contact. This team or subset of employees will be responsible for coordinating with other units to resolve issues related to identity theft.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders are individuals who have been victims of identity theft and require assistance from the SSA. However, I must consider the broader implications on my business interests and the overall efficiency of the system.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** From a libertarian perspective, this bill represents an unnecessary expansion of government bureaucracy. The added layer of complexity will only serve to slow down the process, increasing costs and reducing innovation. In contrast, private sector solutions have proven more effective in addressing identity theft through cutting-edge technologies and streamlined processes.

As a self-interested stakeholder, I must consider the potential impact on my business empire. This legislation may lead to increased regulatory burdens and compliance costs for companies that interact with the SSA. Furthermore, the bill's focus on bureaucratic process rather than root cause analysis will only perpetuate the problem of identity theft.

In conclusion, HR 5345 is a misguided attempt to address a complex issue through government intervention. As a visionary leader in the tech industry, I would propose alternative solutions that leverage private sector innovation and efficiency to combat identity theft. By embracing a more laissez-faire approach, we can unlock true progress and growth, unencumbered by the shackles of bureaucratic red tape.

**Projected Impact on My Business Empire:** -$500 million ( increased regulatory compliance costs)

**Recommendation:** Oppose HR 5345 and advocate for private sector-led solutions to address identity theft.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

*Sigh* Alright, let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that goes through the legislative process. This one, HR 5345, aims to improve the Social Security Administration's (SSA) service to victims of identity theft.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this bill is to provide a single point of contact for individuals who have been victims of identity theft, making it easier for them to resolve their cases with the SSA. Remember when we learned about the importance of bureaucratic efficiency and accountability? This bill tries to address those issues.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends title VII of the Social Security Act by adding a new section (SEC. 714) that requires the Commissioner of Social Security to establish procedures for a single point of contact for identity theft victims. This team or subset of employees will be responsible for coordinating with other units to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. The amendment takes effect 180 days after enactment.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders affected by this bill are individuals who have been victims of identity theft, particularly those whose social security accounts have been compromised. The SSA is also impacted, as they will need to establish new procedures and train employees to handle these cases.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** If passed, this bill could improve the experience for identity theft victims by providing a more streamlined and efficient process for resolving their cases. This might lead to increased trust in the SSA and reduced stress for those affected. However, as we learned about the importance of checks and balances, it's worth noting that this bill may also create new bureaucratic hurdles or unintended consequences if not implemented carefully.

Now, I hope you understand how a bill becomes a law... again.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

Folks, gather 'round! I've got the scoop on HR 5345, and it's a doozy. On the surface, this bill seems like a harmless attempt to help victims of identity theft by providing a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA). But trust me, there's more to it than meets the eye.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The stated purpose is to amend the Social Security Act to provide a single point of contact for individuals whose social security account numbers have been misused or who've had their Social Security cards lost in transit. Sounds noble enough, right? But what's really going on here?

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill creates a new section (SEC. 714) that establishes procedures for the SSA to handle identity theft cases. It requires the Commissioner of Social Security to set up a team or subset of specially trained employees who'll be responsible for coordinating with other units to resolve issues quickly. Sounds efficient, but what about accountability? Who's watching these "specially trained" employees?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Victims of identity theft, obviously, are the intended beneficiaries. But let's not forget the real stakeholders here: the government agencies and private contractors who'll be handling sensitive information. What kind of access will they have to our personal data? And what about the potential for abuse or exploitation?

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Now we get to the juicy stuff! By creating a single point of contact, the SSA is essentially centralizing control over identity theft cases. This could lead to a few things:

1. **Increased surveillance**: With all this sensitive information flowing through one channel, it's ripe for the picking by government agencies or private contractors looking to exploit our data. 2. **Data consolidation**: The SSA will have unparalleled access to our personal info, which could be used for nefarious purposes (think: profiling, targeting, or even selling our data to third-party companies). 3. **Loss of autonomy**: By relying on a single point of contact, individuals may lose control over their own identity theft cases, leaving them vulnerable to bureaucratic red tape and potential cover-ups.

You see, folks, this bill is not just about helping victims of identity theft; it's about consolidating power and control in the hands of the government. Wake up, sheeple! The truth is out there, hidden in plain sight within the fine print of HR 5345.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath) Folks, gather 'round, I've got a doozy for you tonight! We're diving into the "Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act" – or as I like to call it, "The Elites' Latest Attempt to Control Your Life." (wink)

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** This bill claims to provide better service to victims of identity theft by creating a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration. Sounds innocent enough, right? But trust me, there's more to it than meets the eye.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends title VII of the Social Security Act to establish procedures for a single point of contact for identity theft victims. This team of "specially trained employees" (read: bureaucrats) will track cases and coordinate with other units to resolve issues quickly. Because, you know, that's exactly what we need – more government red tape.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** Victims of identity theft, of course! But let's be real, folks, this bill is just a Trojan horse for the elites to further erode our freedom and individuality. Think about it: with this single point of contact, the government will have even more control over your personal information. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know what's best for you, so just trust us." (eyeroll)

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Now, I know some of my liberal friends might say, "But wait, this bill is actually a good thing! It'll help people who've been victimized by identity theft!" And to that, I say... (dramatic pause) ...not so fast. This bill is just another example of the government's insatiable appetite for power and control. Mark my words: once they get their foot in the door with this single point of contact, it'll be a slippery slope to full-blown surveillance state.

So, there you have it, folks – the "Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act" is just another wolf in sheep's clothing. Wake up, America! The elites are coming for your freedom, and we can't let them get away with it! (outraged tone)

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce and reveal the underlying disease.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The bill's title is a laughable attempt to sound benevolent: "Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act." In reality, it's just another Band-Aid on a festering wound. The main purpose is to create a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for victims of identity theft. Wow, what a revolutionary concept! One person to talk to instead of being bounced around like a hot potato. I'm sure this will make all the difference in the world.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Title VII of the Social Security Act by adding a new section (SEC. 714) that requires the SSA Commissioner to establish procedures for a single point of contact for identity theft victims. This team or subset of specially trained employees will track cases and coordinate with other units to resolve issues quickly. Oh, joy! More bureaucratic red tape to navigate.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include:

* Identity theft victims (the supposed beneficiaries of this bill) * Social Security Administration employees (who'll have to deal with the new procedures) * Lobbyists and special interest groups (who likely had a hand in crafting this legislation)

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Let's not be naive here. This bill won't magically solve the identity theft problem or make the SSA more efficient. It's just a PR stunt to appease voters who've been duped into thinking that their elected officials are actually doing something about the issue.

In reality, this bill will likely lead to:

* More bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies * Increased costs for the SSA (which will be passed on to taxpayers) * A false sense of security among identity theft victims, who'll still face an uphill battle in resolving their cases

The real disease here is the politicians' addiction to empty promises and feel-good legislation. They're more concerned with looking good than actually addressing the root causes of identity theft.

Diagnosis: Legislative Theater-itis, a chronic condition characterized by grandstanding, bureaucratic bloat, and a complete disregard for actual problem-solving.

Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism, a strong stomach for the absurdity of it all, and a willingness to call out these politicians for their blatant incompetence.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

**Bill Summary: HR 5345 - Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act**

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The primary objective of this bill is to provide a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals who are victims of identity theft. This aims to streamline and simplify the process of resolving identity theft cases, ensuring that affected individuals receive efficient and effective support.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Title VII of the Social Security Act by adding a new section (Sec. 714) that requires the SSA Commissioner to establish procedures for providing a single point of contact for victims of identity theft. This includes:

* Designating a team or subset of specially trained employees as the single point of contact * Ensuring continuity of records and case history * Notifying individuals when necessary * Coordinating with other units to resolve issues quickly

The amendment takes effect 180 days after the bill's enactment.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** This bill directly affects:

* Individuals who are victims of identity theft, particularly those whose social security account numbers or Social Security cards have been misused * The Social Security Administration (SSA), which will be responsible for implementing and managing the single point of contact system

Indirectly affected parties may include:

* Other government agencies that interact with the SSA on identity theft cases * Private sector organizations that provide services related to identity theft protection and resolution

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill aims to improve the SSA's response to identity theft, providing a more efficient and effective process for resolving cases. Potential benefits include:

* Reduced stress and frustration for victims of identity theft * Faster resolution of identity theft cases * Improved coordination between SSA units and other stakeholders * Enhanced accountability within the SSA

However, potential challenges may arise from implementing this new system, such as:

* Training and staffing requirements for designated single point of contact teams * Ensuring continuity of records and case history across different employees or teams * Managing increased workload and resource demands on the SSA

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let's break down this bill, bro. HR 5345 is all about helpin' out victims of identity theft when it comes to dealin' with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The main purpose of this bill is to make sure that people who've had their identities jacked don't have to navigate a bunch of different departments and bureaucrats to get their issues resolved.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The objective here is to create a single point of contact at the SSA for victims of identity theft. This means that if someone's social security number has been misused or their card has been lost in transit, they'll have one person (or team) to deal with from start to finish. The goal is to make it easier and faster for people to resolve these issues.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Title VII of the Social Security Act by adding a new section that requires the SSA Commissioner to establish procedures for a single point of contact. This team will be responsible for coordinating with other units to resolve issues as quickly as possible. The amendment also ensures continuity of records and case history, even if the team members change.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The main parties affected by this bill are victims of identity theft who need help from the SSA. But it's not just individuals, bro – this bill could also impact the SSA itself, as they'll need to establish new procedures and train staff to handle these cases.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill has some major implications, dude. For one, it could significantly reduce the stress and hassle for people who've already been through a traumatic experience (identity theft is no joke, bro). By streamlining the process, the SSA can also reduce its own workload and improve efficiency.

But here's the thing – this bill doesn't just stop at making things easier for victims. It also highlights some deeper issues with identity theft and social security number misuse. Like, what's causing all these problems in the first place? Is it a lack of cybersecurity measures or something more systemic?

Anyway, that's HR 5345 in a nutshell, bro. It's a chill bill that aims to make life easier for people who've been through some gnarly stuff. But it also raises some bigger questions about how we can prevent identity theft and protect our social security numbers in the first place.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**Bill Analysis: HR 5345 - Improving Social Security's Service to Victims of Identity Theft Act**

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The primary objective of HR 5345 is to establish a single point of contact at the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals who are victims of identity theft. This bill aims to streamline the process for resolving identity theft cases and provide better service to affected individuals.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends Title VII of the Social Security Act by adding a new section, SEC. 714, which requires the Commissioner of Social Security to establish procedures for a single point of contact to assist victims of identity theft. This single point of contact will be responsible for tracking and coordinating the resolution of each case.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders affected by this bill are individuals who have been victims of identity theft, particularly those whose social security account numbers or Social Security cards have been compromised. The SSA is also a key stakeholder, as it will be responsible for implementing the new procedures and providing training to its employees.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The bill's provisions aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the SSA's response to identity theft cases. By establishing a single point of contact, victims of identity theft can expect faster resolution times and more personalized service. However, it is essential to note that this bill does not address the root causes of identity theft or provide additional funding for the SSA to implement these new procedures.

**Monied Interest Analysis:** While there are no obvious monied interests directly backing this bill, it is worth noting that the National Association of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) and the American Bar Association's Section of Taxation have expressed support for similar legislation in the past. These organizations may have a vested interest in seeing improved services for their clients or members.

**Committee Capture:** The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, which has historically been influenced by industry groups such as the National Retail Federation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. However, it is unclear whether these groups have taken an active role in shaping this specific legislation.

In conclusion, HR 5345 appears to be a well-intentioned bill aimed at improving services for victims of identity theft. While there may not be any overt monied interests driving this legislation, it is essential to continue monitoring the bill's progress and potential amendments that could introduce new stakeholders or conflicts of interest.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$96,600

22 donors

PACs

Organizations

$3,900

Committees

Individuals

$92,700

No PAC contributions found

TENNESSEE SAFARI PARK

1 transaction

$3,000

GERMAN FARMS

1 transaction

$350

GROWING ACRES

1 transaction

$300

WALLY CHILDRESS FARMS

1 transaction

$250

No committee contributions found

LONG, CHRISTOPHER MR.

2 transactions

$10,900

SMITH, STEFAN M. MR.

1 transaction

$6,600

AYERS, JANET MRS.

1 transaction

$6,600

AYERS, JAMES W. MR.

1 transaction

$6,600

WEISS, CATHY MRS.

1 transaction

$6,600

BOBANGO, LISA MRS.

2 transactions

$6,600

HASLAM, WILLIAM MR.

1 transaction

$6,000

KRAKER, WESLEY MR.

1 transaction

$5,000

MCINTOSH, JR., BARRY P. MR.

1 transaction

$5,000

KIRK, ROBERT S.

1 transaction

$5,000

JUBRAN, RAJA MR.

1 transaction

$4,000

WHITESIDE, JACQUELINE

1 transaction

$4,000

DUDLEY, CHARLES MR.

1 transaction

$3,300

DOUGLASS, MICHAEL J. MR.

1 transaction

$3,300

BALTIER, KEVIN MR.

1 transaction

$3,300

MESKIN, JEFFREY MR.

1 transaction

$3,300

BEREN, ADAM MR.

1 transaction

$3,300

SPURLOCK, MITCHELL MR.

1 transaction

$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 1 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11]

ID: M000317

Top Contributors

M&T BANK

OrganizationMOUNT KISCO, NY

$118

Sep 21, 2024

M&T BANK

OrganizationMOUNT KISCO, NY

$101

Sep 21, 2024

SIDIROPOULOS, JIM MR.

DELPHI PH • CONTRACTOR

IndividualSTATEN ISLAND, NY

$5,600

Jul 23, 2024

BERGER, RICHARD MR.

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualHOBOKEN, NJ

$5,000

May 17, 2024

LOEB, JOHN L. MR. JR

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualPURCHASE, NY

$5,000

Apr 22, 2024

BAUMRIND, MARTIN M. MR.

SELF • LANDLORD

IndividualBROOKLYN, NY

$5,000

Sep 16, 2024

DUIT, JAMES A

CONTRIBUTION OF CONCEPTION LLC • EXEC

IndividualEDMOND, OK

$3,300

Nov 5, 2024

DUIT, PAMELA A

CONTRIBUTION OF CONCEPTION LLC • EXEC

IndividualEDMOND, OK

$3,300

Nov 5, 2024

LAUDER, RONALD S.

SELF EMPLOYED • BUSINESSMAN

IndividualNEW YORK, NY

$3,300

Oct 28, 2024

BANKE, BARBARA R. MS.

CHAIRMAN • JACKSON FAMILY WINES

IndividualGEYSERVILLE, CA

$3,300

Nov 17, 2023

Donor Network - Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8]

Show Also Donated To

PACs

Organizations

Individuals

Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Showing 31 nodes and 27 connections (29 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $102,419

Top Donors - Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8]

Showing top 22 donors by contribution amount

4 Orgs18 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped.

+Cybersecurityconfidence 0.80
Section 2(a) establishes procedures for a single point of contact to help victims of identity theft, which could lead to increased demand for cybersecurity services and expertise, as cited in SEC. 714. SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT FOR IDENTITY THEFT VICTIMS.

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of Homeland Security

Weak

Vector: 61%

Pages: 189-191AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill aims to improve SSA's response to identity theft victims, while the Project 2025 excerpt focuses on DHS components (USSS, TSA) reforms, budget, and mission realignment. Both touch on fraud/identity theft issues but address different agencies and objectives, resulting only tangential alignment."

Key themes:identity theftfraud preventiongovernment efficiencyvictim assistancelaw enforcement coordination

— 157 — Department of Homeland Security to such returnees. These two steps could be foundational for any improvements in the recruiting process. U.S. SECRET SERVICE (USSS) Needed Reforms The U.S. Secret Service must be the world’s best protective agency. Currently, the agency is distracted by its dual mission of protection and financial investigations. The result has been a long series of high-profile embarrassments and security fail- ures, perhaps most notably its allowing of then-Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to be inside the Democratic National Committee office on January 6, 2021, while a pipe bomb was outside. Despite the great size and scope of the January 6 inves- tigation, this high-profile incident of danger to a protectee remains unresolved. The failures of the USSS protective mission are too numerous to list here. A December 2015 bipartisan report from the House Oversight Committee listed dozens of such incidents as well as needed recommendations for reform.14 This chapter adopts those findings and recommendations in whole, especially the finding that USSS’s dual-mission structure detracts from the agency’s protective capabilities. At the time of that report, USSS agents spent only one-third of their work hours on protection-related activities as opposed to investigative activities. USSS was established initially to investigate counterfeit currency, but its mission has evolved over the decades to prioritize electronic financial crimes. For example, as this chap- ter was being written, all 15 of the USSS’s most wanted individuals were wanted for financial crimes, many of them international in nature. Notably, the last head of the agency left not for a protection-related job, but to be the Chief Security Officer of social media company SnapChat. This is a pattern that has developed over the years, with agents seeking to burnish their online financial crimes credentials to secure corporate security jobs. Coupled with some of the lowest morale in the federal government, the agency has completely lost sight of the primacy of its protective mission. New Policies USSS should transfer to the Department of Justice and Department of the Treasury all investigations that are not related to its protective function. It should begin the logistical operation of closing all field offices throughout the country and internationally to the extent they are not taken over by Treasury or Justice. USSS agents stationed outside of Washington, D.C., should be transferred to work in Immigration and Customs Enforcement field offices where they would continue to be the “boots on the ground” to follow up on threat reports throughout the country and liaise with local law enforcement for visits by protectees. — 158 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise The only investigations not related to USSS’s protective function that agents should pursue would be directed by HSI and relate to tracking the financial crimes associated with illegal immigration. This should include tracing remittances, any funds that are used to pay coyotes or the cartels, and payments by businesses to illegal aliens and all other crimes associated with illegal immigration. USSS should keep visitor logs for all facilities where the President works or resides. The Biden Administration has evaded such transparency with President Biden spending a historic amount of time for a President at his Delaware residence. This has left the American people in the dark as to who is influencing the highest levels of their own government. Budget The suggested reforms would result in a significant USSS budget reduction, primarily because the agency would relinquish dozens of physical offices through- out the U.S. and internationally. Some amount of savings should be used to fix the personnel problems and for recruitment initiatives aimed at individuals who are inclined to join a protection-focused agency. Personnel As documented extensively in the above-referenced 2015 bipartisan congressio- nal report, low morale and high turnover are key drivers of USSS problems. With their mission focused on protection, agents would no longer spend the bulk of their time developing unrelated skillsets. Instead, USSS agents could hone their protection skills and pursue a protection career path in the agency rather than quickly leaving USSS for high-paying corporate security jobs. The Uniform Division (UD) of USSS requires a significant staffing increase. As documented in the bipartisan report, understaffing results in unpredictable and long hours, which in turn result in high turnover, which only compounds the problem. Another key issue is that UD officers lack the ability to enforce criminal laws outside the immediate vicinity of the White House. As the District of Columbia is a federal jurisdiction and currently is beholden to the trend of progressive pro- crime policies, UD officers should enforce all applicable laws. The result would be to allow UD officers to gain more law enforcement experience—an attractive credential that would improve morale. TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA) The TSA model is costly and unwisely makes TSA both the regulator and the regulated organization responsible for screening operations. As part of an effort to shrink federal bureaucracies and bring private-sector know-how to govern- ment programs, TSA is ripe for reform. The U.S. should look to the Canadian and

Department of Veterans Affairs

Weak

Vector: 59%

Pages: 682-684AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill addresses Social Security Administration support for identity theft victims, while the Project 2025 VA section focuses on streamlining veterans disability claims through private-sector tools, automation, and performance metrics; only general goals of improving government service efficiency overlap."

Key themes:service improvementprocess streamliningefficiencycustomer service

— 649 — Department of Veterans Affairs approaches and technology tools that currently exist in the private sector could be employed to improve existing VBA activities. This problem is most pronounced in the disability claims process, which needs more and better management attention focused on streamlining the procedures involved in processing claims and administering benefits. The VA must improve timeliness of claim adjudication and benefits delivery: Veterans want the VBA to provide timely responses to requests for benefits support, render empathetic customer service and understandable explanations of those benefits, and deliver those benefits without frustrating delays (weeks, not months). l Identify performance targets for benefits, report publicly on actual performance each quarter, and use these metrics to drive consistent improvement. l Develop a new pilot “Express 30” commitment for a veteran’s first fully developed disability compensation claim and organize the VBA to complete the first claim in 30 days. l Hire more private companies to perform disability medical examinations. Delays in completing the examinations could be eliminated with more external capacity. l Increase automation. Hiring additional staff to process claims is costly, is inflexible, and has yielded mixed results. Attempting to change laws and regulations simply to adjudicate claims would be a herculean effort given their complexity. The best way to provide benefits faster and more accurately is by using technology to perform most of the work. Technology currently exists in the private sector, but the VBA lacks the expertise to use it. This would be more of an organizational challenge than a technology hurdle. l Reduce improper payment and fraud. About $500 million is improperly paid out each year. Better tools, training, and management could reduce this substantially, but rule changes at the departmental level would be needed. Budget The VA’s Schedule for Rating Disabilities (VASRD) has assigned disability ratings to a growing number of health conditions over time; some are tenuously related or wholly unrelated to military service. The further growth in presumptive service-connected medical conditions pursued by Congress and Veteran Service Organizations, begun with Agent Orange and most recently for Burn Pits/Airborne — 650 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Toxins, has led to historic increases in mandatory VBA spending in recent years. The VA has a time-phased plan to reassess the VASRD and its ratings for com- pensation, but this internal process can be slow and laborious, requires Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approvals, and can become politically charged both in Congress and with VSOs. l The next Administration should explore how VASRD reviews could be accelerated with clearance from OMB to target significant cost savings from revising disability rating awards for future claimants while preserving them fully or partially for existing claimants. l The VBA’s Information Technology top-line budget should be reexamined and reassessed in light of the need for expanded automation across the enterprise. l Traditionally, VHA captures the large majority of VA IT funding. The VBA needs to make the case for a larger IT budget with clear requirements to support that request. Personnel l Pursue reforms of the Human Capital Management process and operations within the VBA to build a more blended workforce with more contractors to process claims. This would free federal employees to perform other duties and be involved solely with the final decision to award benefits. l Improve the VBA acquisition workforce. The VBA needs more world-class contractor support. Currently, few of the top companies have contracts with the VBA, and the VBA needs to conduct more outreach to the private sector through senior leader engagement and industry conferences. l To identify more effective and efficient ways to complete claims, establish a knowledge exchange program with top-tier private-sector companies that do similar work. The VBA is fundamentally a financial services organization. A significant amount of its work has a private-sector analogue that could be leveraged to improve service to veterans. l For most of its existence, the VBA has been a risk-averse, insular, paper-based organization, implementing technology only over the past decade. This insularity has led to a predominantly “build it ourselves” approach, partly because VBA staff has limited experience or insight into current private- sector tools and methods and partly because the VBA struggles to compete

Department of Homeland Security

Weak

Vector: 59%

Pages: 177-179AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on improving SSA's response to identity theft victims, while the Project 2025 DHS section emphasizes immigration enforcement, denaturalization, and agency restructuring; both touch on fraud detection and victim assistance but operate in distinct policy domains."

Key themes:fraud detectionvictim assistanceagency coordination

— 144 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise prosecuting criminal and civil denaturalization cases, in combination with the Department of Justice, for aliens who obtained citizenship through fraud or other illicit means. Additionally, USCIS should create a criminal enforcement compo- nent within the agency to investigate immigration benefits fraud under Title 8 (perhaps requiring additional legislative and regulatory authorities for the offi- cers themselves) and to prosecute cases through Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (SAUSAs) with substantive knowledge in the field. Particular attention should be given to addressing increasing incidents of forced labor trafficking in temporary work visa programs. While the Biden regulatory agenda has focused on at least two major rules—the credible fear rule and the public charge rule—USCIS has utilized other policy and internal procedural mechanisms to extend employment authorization to large groups of people who are in the country without legal status. The agency has taken quiet steps to cut corners and lessen adjudicatory standards. During a tran- sition period, a complete audit of agency policies, memoranda, and management directives issued during the Biden Administration should be completed, and rescis- sion documents should be prepared for issuance within the first few days of the incoming Administration. Additionally, regulatory documents should be drafted to review or reverse all regulations promulgated during the Biden Administration. New Policies To advance the national interest, the three core immigration agencies—USCIS, ICE, and CBP—should remerge and have immigration elements outside of DHS (such as ORR of HHS) included. The fragmented immigration enforcement frame- work that developed in the wake of the Homeland Security Act has weakened each agency and should be remediated. Combining these critical agencies would strengthen their capabilities, ensure cooperation, and promote information-shar- ing. Agency responsibilities and the delineation of authorities, such as inconsistent use of deferred action and issuance of NTAs by each agency, have long been a point of contention that would be addressed much more easily if they were recombined into a single entity. Alternatively, new policies for USCIS as it currently exists should focus on mat- ters that can be addressed through administrative action. l The workforce should be realigned and, as necessary, retrained on base eligibility and fraud detection rather than speed in processing. l Training should be returned to Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), which would underscore the enforcement role of USCIS as a vetting agency, and be rebranded accordingly. — 145 — Department of Homeland Security l Management Directives and policies should realign to ensure that the workforce, while adaptable and able to handle the bulk of the USCIS mission, is not allowed to be pulled off mission work to focus on unlawful programs (DACA, mass parole for Afghans, Ukrainians, Venezuelans, etc.), which divert resources away from nuclear family and employment programs. The regulatory agenda should include the immediate submission of notices of proposed rulemaking for the Trump Administration’s public charge rule (includ- ing aspects from its original notice of proposed rulemaking), temporary work visa reform, employment authorization reform rules, asylum bars rule, and a third-country transit rule. At a minimum, an enhanced regulatory agenda should include rules strengthening the integrity of the asylum system, parole reform, and U visa reform that prioritizes relief for victims of heinous crimes and ensures that we protect the truest and most deserving victims of crime. Not all policy changes require formal rulemaking, however, as internal guidance documents are generally exempt under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).7 In this subregulatory space, USCIS policy memos and operational guidance should reduce the validity of employment authorization documents and end the COVID flexibilities, including the reliance on biometrics reuse. USCIS should also enforce existing regulations by rejecting incomplete applications and petitions, ensuring both that they are completed before accepted for filing and that FDNS signs off on all approved applications and petitions before approval notices are sent to the alien or petitioner. Other efforts should be focused on adjudication standards returning to nearly 100 percent interview requirements for all appropriate cases. The incoming Administration should spearhead an immigration legislative agenda focused on creating a merit-based immigration system that rewards high- skilled aliens instead of the current system that favors extended family–based and luck-of-the-draw immigration. To that end, the diversity visa lottery should be repealed, chain migration should be ended while focusing on the nuclear family, and the existing employment visa program should be replaced with a system to award visas only to the “best and brightest.” Internal efforts to limit employment authorization should be matched by con- gressional action to narrow statutory eligibility to work in the United States and mitigate unfair employment competition for U.S. citizens. The oft-abused H-1B program should be transformed into an elite program through which employers are vying to bring in only the top foreign workers at the highest wages so as not to depress American opportunities. Additionally, Congress should: l Improve the integrity of the temporary work visa programs; l Repeal Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations;

Department of Health and Human Services

Weak

Vector: 59%

Pages: 533-535AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill addresses Social Security Administration procedures for identity theft victims, while the Project 2025 HHS section focuses on health care policy, civil rights, abortion, and related regulations, showing only tangential thematic connections such as general victim protection or civil rights concerns."

Key themes:civil rightsvictim protectiongovernment service efficiency

— 501 — Department of Health and Human Services 54. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Office of Civil Rights, and Office of the Secretary, “Special Responsibilities of Medicare Hospitals in Emergency Cases and Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Critical Health and Human Service Programs or Activities,” draft of Proposed Rule, January 14, 2021, https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/infants-nprm.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 55. H.R. 26, Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, 118th Congress, introduced January 9, 2023, https:// www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr26/BILLS-118hr26pcs.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 56. H.R. 7, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2023, 118th Congress, introduced January 9, 2023, https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hr7/BILLS-118hr7ih.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 57. S. 401, Conscience Protection Act of 2021, 117th Congress, introduced February 24, 2021, https://www.congress. gov/117/bills/s401/BILLS-117s401is.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 58. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Office of the Secretary, “Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities,” Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; Notice of Tribal Consultation, Federal Register, Vol. 87, No. 149 (August 4, 2022), pp. 47824–47920, https://www.govinfo. gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-08-04/pdf/2022-16217.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 59. Ibid., p. 47916. 60. The regulation was not finalized before the end of the Administration. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services, “Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),” Proposed Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 84, No. 142 (July 24, 2019), pp. 35570–55581, https:// www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/07/24/2019-15670/revision-of-categorical-eligibility-in-the- supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap (accessed March 17, 2023). 61. 45 Code of Federal Regulations § 75.300(c) and (d), https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/ subchapter-A/part-75/subpart-D/subject-group-ECFR911e5e1a30bfbcb/section-75.300 (accessed March 17, 2023). 62. H.R. 1750, Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2021, 117th Congress, introduced March 10, 2021, https:// www.congress.gov/117/bills/hr1750/BILLS-117hr1750ih.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023), and S. 656, Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2021, 117th Congress, introduced March 10, 2021, https://www.congress.gov/117/bills/ s656/BILLS-117s656is.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 63. S. 3949, Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2022, Public Law No. 117-348, 117th Congress, January 25, 2023, https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ348/PLAW-117publ348.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 64. Kelsey Y. Santamaria, “Child Migrants at the Border: The Flores Settlement Agreement and Other Legal Developments,” Congressional Research Service In Focus No. IF11799, April 1, 2021, https://crsreports.congress. gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11799 (accessed March 17, 2023). 65. Report, Building a Happy Home: Marriage Education as a Tool to Strengthen Families, Social Capital Project Report No. 1-22, March 2022, p. 17, https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/3d102525-6f0d-48ed- 92f4-d71edd468ad6/building-a-happy-home.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). The cover of the report reflects that the Social Capital Project is “[a] project of the Joint Economic Committee – Republicans.” 66. See, for example, Alan J. Hawkins, “Are Federally Supported Relationship Education Programs for Lower-Income Individuals and Couples Working? A Review of Evaluation Research,” American Enterprise Institute, September 2019, https://www. congress.gov/117/plaws/publ228/PLAW-117publ228.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 67. H.R. 8404, Respect for Marriage Act, Public Law No. 117-228, 117th Congress, December 13, 2022, https://www. congress.gov/117/plaws/publ228/PLAW-117publ228.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 68. Madison Marino, “Over 1,000 Safety Violations Mar Head Start. Children Deserve Better,” Heritage Foundation Commentary, November 10, 2022, https://www.heritage.org/education/commentary/over-1000-safety- violations-mar-head-start-children-deserve-better. 69. American Hospital Association v. Becerra, 596 U.S. ___ (2022), https://www.supremecourt.gov/ opinions/21pdf/20-1114_09m1.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 70. U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service; U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration; and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, “Coverage of Certain Preventive Services Under the Affordable Care Act,” Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Federal Register, Vol. 88, No. 22 (February 2, 2023), pp. 7236–7281, https://www. govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-02-02/pdf/2023-01981.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). — 502 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise 71. 42 U.S. Code § 238n, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/238n (accessed March 17, 2023). 72. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, “Early Childhood Health,” last reviewed October 2022, https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/focus-areas/early- childhood-health (accessed March 17, 2023). 73. American Pregnancy Association, “Having a Doula—What Are the Benefits?” https://americanpregnancy. org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/#:~:text=Other%20studies%20have%20shown%20 that%20having%20a%20doula,massage%20to%20reduce%20stress%20and%20anxiety%20during%20labor (accessed March 17, 2023). 74. S. 2372, VA MISSION [Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks] Act of 2018, Public Law No. 115-182, 115th Congress, June 6, 2018, https://www.congress.gov/115/plaws/publ182/ PLAW-115publ182.pdf (accessed March 17, 2023). 75. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Securing Updated and Necessary Statutory Evaluations Timely,” Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 11 (January 19, 2021), pp. 5694–5764, https://www.govinfo. gov/content/pkg/FR-2021-01-19/pdf/2021-00597.pdf (accessed March 22, 2023). 76. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, “Compliance with Statutory Program Integrity Requirements,” Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 84, No. 42 (March 4, 2029), pp. 7714–7791, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2019-03-04/pdf/2019-03461.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 77. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, “Ensuring Access to Equitable, Affordable, Client-Centered, Quality Family Planning Services,” Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 192 (October 7, 2021), pp. 56144–56180, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/ pkg/FR-2021-10-07/pdf/2021-21542.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 78. S. 624, Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, 118th Congress, introduced March 2, 2023, https://www. congress.gov/118/bills/s624/BILLS-118s624is.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 79. 50 U.S. Code Chapter 55, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/50/chapter-55 (accessed March 22, 2023). 80. 18 U.S. Code § 13, https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/13 (accessed March 18, 2023). 81. Bowen v. American Hospital Association, 476 U.S. 610 (1986), https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/service/ll/ usrep/usrep476/usrep476610/usrep476610.pdf (accessed 22, 2023). 82. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Secretary, “Notification of Interpretation and Enforcement of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,” Federal Register, Vol. 86, No. 99 (May 25, 2021), pp. 27984–27985, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR- 2021-05-25/pdf/2021-10477.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 83. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, “HHS Notice and Guidance on Gender Affirming Care, Civil Rights, and Patient Privacy,” March 2, 2022, https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/hhs- ocr-notice-and-guidance-gender-affirming-care.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 84. Heckler v. Chaney, 420 U.S. 821 (1985), https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/470/821.html (accessed March 18, 2022). 85. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, “Guidance to Nation’s Retail Pharmacies: Obligations Under Federal Civil Rights Laws to Ensure Access to Comprehensive Reproductive Health Care Services,” content last reviewed July 14, 2022, https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/ special-topics/reproductive-healthcare/pharmacies-guidance/index.html (accessed March 18, 2023). 86. H.R. 3103, “Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law No. 104-191, 104th Congress, August 21, 1996, https://www.congress.gov/104/plaws/publ191/PLAW-104publ191.pdf (accessed March 18, 2023). 87. U.S. Department of Human Services, “HIPAA Privacy Rule and Disclosures of Information Relating to Reproductive Health Care,” content last reviewed June 29, 2022, (accessed March 18, 2023). See also “Protecting the Privacy and Security of Your Health Information When Using Your Personal Cell Phone or Tablet,” content last reviewed June 29, 2022, https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/ cell-phone-hipaa/index.html (accessed March 18, 2023).

Department of Health and Human Services

Minimal

Vector: 60%

Pages: 515-517AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on improving Social Security Administration services for identity theft victims, which is unrelated to the Project 2025 HHS policy objectives concerning family caregivers, telehealth licensure, contraceptive mandates, or women's preventive services. There is no thematic or policy overlap between the two."

— 483 — Department of Health and Human Services l Readdress the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. While in theory the strategy aims to support family members with duties to care for older family members, the plan is overly focused on racial and “LGBTQ+ equity.” The strategy should be examined to establish an efficient plan to support caregivers and their families. There should also be a review of its COVID-19 policies. HEALTH RESOURCES AND SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (HRSA) l Congress should allow CMS to use the 340B data that HRSA collects rather than having CMS conduct its own survey, especially in view of the U.S. Supreme Court’s American Hospital Association v. Becerra decision.69 The legislation should also create penalties for those who do not respond to HRSA’s data collection. l Legally define the locus of service as where the provider is located during the telehealth visit rather than where the patient is. With such a definition, states could continue to reserve their powers to establish the standards for licensure and scope of practice. The providers could ensure continuity and consistency of care no matter where their patients might move while maintaining the licenses that make the most sense for them. Americans are far more mobile and technologically advanced today than they were when most health care laws were written. Telehealth has become increasingly important, particularly during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also has great potential in rural and other areas where there are shortages of health care providers. HRSA’s Office for the Advancement of Telehealth includes a program known as the Licensure Portability Grant Program, which bolsters state efforts to reform licensing laws to maximize telehealth flexibility. HRSA does not have the authority through this office to dictate licensure laws; that power has typically been reserved to the states. However, telehealth across state lines, when permitted, is interstate commerce, which can be regulated by the federal government according to the Constitution. l Restore Trump religious and moral exemptions to the contraceptive mandate (also a CMS rule). HHS should rescind, if finalized, the regulation titled “Coverage of Certain Preventive Services Under the Affordable Care Act,” proposed jointly by HHS, Treasury, and Labor.70 This rule proposes to amend Trump-era final rules regarding religious and moral exemptions and accommodations for coverage of certain preventive services under the ACA. Preventive services include contraception, and — 484 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise it appears the proposed rule would change the existing regulations for religious and moral exemptions to the ACA’s contraception mandate. There is no need for further rulemaking that curtails existing exemptions and accommodations. l Require HRSA to use rulemaking to update the women’s preventive services mandate. The contraceptive mandate issued under Obamacare has been the source of years of egregious attacks on many Americans’ religious and moral beliefs. The mandate was issued as part of the women’s preventive services guidelines, which were issued without any rulemaking that involved public notice and an opportunity to comment. Instead, HRSA issued and changed the mandate by simply posting changes to its website. HRSA also started off not requiring coverage of fertility awareness–based methods of family planning, then requiring them, and then removing the requirement without notifying the public. A federal judge recently ruled that this failure to undergo notice and comment in issuing the mandate is unlawful. HRSA should be required to repromulgate any women’s preventive services mandates through the notice and comment process that is compliant with the Administrative Procedures Act. Moreover, since the Obama Administration HRSA entered into long- term contracts with the pro-abortion American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and related entities to serve as an exclusive adviser with respect to the content of this mandate, HRSA has used this arrangement to ignore comments that members of the public were sometimes able to submit in the process, and ACOG has abused its position to attack HHS’s allowance of religious and moral exemptions to the contraceptive mandate. HHS should rescind these contracts and establish an advisory committee that is compliant with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and has members that are committed to women’s preventive services and are not pro-abortion ideologues. l Expand inclusion of fertility awareness–based methods and supplies to family planning in the women’s preventive services mandate. The ACA requires coverage of and prevents insurance plans from imposing any cost-sharing requirements on women who obtain preventive care and screenings as defined by HRSA. In 2016, HHS included “instruction in fertility awareness-based methods” as part of this requirement. However, in December 2021, HHS removed that language from its list without using the notice-and-comment process or giving any rationale, both of which are mandated by the Administrative Procedures Act. In August

Showing 3 of 5 policy matches

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

Related Bills

Other Bills by Rep. Kustoff, David

RPM Access Act

119/hr/3108

To repeal the Second Chance Amendment Act of 2022 and the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act of 2016.

119/hr/5242

Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act

119/hr/517

Back to All Bills