The Senate recently confirmed Martin O’Malley as the new head of the Social Security Administration after a long and intensive confirmation process. O’Malley is a well-known Democrat, having been the governor of Maryland and a 2016 presidential hopeful. O’Malley is an ardent supporter of Social Security, having long advocated for its expansion and protection to serve the nation’s retirees and disabled.
Given the Biden administration’s goal of protecting Social Security, the appointment of O’Malley is considered a progressive move. The confirmation process was lengthy, as O’Malley faced a few Republican challenges, such as questions about possible financial conflicts of interest due to his tenure as a board member of two companies. O’Malley, however, was able to provide his strong reasoning and qualifications to Congress, and ultimately, the Senate confirmed his nomination by a slim margin of 70-28.
O’Malley stated in his speech following the confirmation that he is “honored to serve in this role and to help protect the financial security of millions of American families.” His appointment comes at a critical time for Social Security, which is under attack from lawmakers who want to reduce benefits. O’Malley’s experience and progressive vision for expanding Social Security are likely to influence the rest of President Biden’s social security agenda.
Under O’Malley’s watch, it is anticipated that Social Security will become increasingly robust, providing financial security for those who need it most. O’Malley has a long history of fighting for Americans’ financial security, and his confirmation as head of the Social Security Administration is a testament to his drive to protect and serve.
