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house Bill H.R. 624

Do the Feds Need to Deter Identity Theft by Not Mailing Documents With Social Security Numbers?

Argument in favor

As a common sense way of preventing identity theft and Social Security fraud, federal agencies should avoid mailing documents with full Social Security numbers to the greatest extent possible.

singinghawk926's Opinion
···
05/24/2017
Why not utilize the currently favored "last four" that financial institutions of every description use already?
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Jerry.Crayton's Opinion
···
05/24/2017
This is something already being implemented in other agencies that deal with personal private information. It's time to get on board. This shouldn't even be a question in 2017.
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operaman's Opinion
···
05/22/2017
Seems like a sensible answer, but WOW, one year to take affect. Can't imagine why the this important number would be printed in plain site when issuing documents states the "your SS information should be protected and kept in a safe location."
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Argument opposed

The federal government should continue to mail documents with full Social Security numbers and not spend time framing regulations aimed at reducing the use of full SSNs.

Laura's Opinion
···
05/24/2017
Nay. The government needs to provide equal access to information to all. There are still more people than many realize who don't have internet access and are dependent upon the mail for important communication. These folks will be lost if expected to access information via email. Identity theft is a valid concern, but not sending mail is not the answer. Use the last 4 or something like that.
Like (11)
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itstilleytime's Opinion
···
05/24/2017
This is coming from a perspective of a tax preparation volunteer. While it might not be necessary to have a SSN on EVERY single legal document, there is most certainly a benefit to having this number available on documents such as a W2 or other income documents to allow for proper identification and therefore adequate tax preparation. Additionally, a large number of my clients do not have an email address or other means of electronic communication to receive these documents via email. With all this in mind, while maybe some documents can exclude this number, it is necessary to provide proper identification for individuals who are not technologically inclined.
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selliebee's Opinion
···
05/24/2017
This does seem like a no-brainer but I doubt it will substantially reduce identity theft when we've all been pwned or had our user-names, passwords, credit card info, and SSNs leaked in all kinds of data-breaches over the past decade. Maybe start with a bill that protects our info in a meaningful way. I actually find this bill incredibly ironic since the 115 congress is so utterly unconcerned with its citizens basic privacy-repealing the protections Obama gave us with the infamous S.J.Res. 34. (Thanks GOP! For clearly not giving a flying fuck about citizens rights to privacy). Really, this bill is not about our protections at all: it's only about protecting the government.
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bill Progress

  • EnactedSeptember 15th, 2017
    The President signed this bill into law
  • The senate Passed September 6th, 2017
    Passed by Voice Vote
  • The house Passed May 24th, 2017
    Passed by Voice Vote
      house Committees
      Committee on Oversight and Reform
      Committee on Ways and Means
    IntroducedJanuary 24th, 2017
Log in or create an account to see how your Reps voted!

Bill Activity

  • action
    Introduced in House
  • referral
    Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
  • action
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
  • calendar
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
  • action
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on 115-150, Part I.
  • action
    Referred sequentially to the House Committee on Ways and Means for a period ending not later than May 23, 2017 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(t) of rule X.
  • action
    Committee on Ways and Means discharged.
  • calendar
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 98.
  • action
    Mr. Ross moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  • action
    Considered under suspension of the rules.
  • action
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 624.
  • vote
    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
  • action
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • action
    The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
  • calendar
    Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 106.
  • vote
    Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
  • action
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  • topresident
    Presented to President.
  • signed
    Signed by President.
  • enacted
    Became Public Law No: 115-59.

bill Progress

  • EnactedSeptember 15th, 2017
    The President signed this bill into law
  • The senate Passed September 6th, 2017
    Passed by Voice Vote
  • The house Passed May 24th, 2017
    Passed by Voice Vote
      house Committees
      Committee on Oversight and Reform
      Committee on Ways and Means
    IntroducedJanuary 24th, 2017
Log in or create an account to see how your Reps voted!
    singinghawk926's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    Why not utilize the currently favored "last four" that financial institutions of every description use already?
    Like (89)
    Follow
    Share
    Laura's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/24/2017
    Nay. The government needs to provide equal access to information to all. There are still more people than many realize who don't have internet access and are dependent upon the mail for important communication. These folks will be lost if expected to access information via email. Identity theft is a valid concern, but not sending mail is not the answer. Use the last 4 or something like that.
    Like (11)
    Follow
    Share
    Jerry.Crayton's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    This is something already being implemented in other agencies that deal with personal private information. It's time to get on board. This shouldn't even be a question in 2017.
    Like (43)
    Follow
    Share
    operaman's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/22/2017
    Seems like a sensible answer, but WOW, one year to take affect. Can't imagine why the this important number would be printed in plain site when issuing documents states the "your SS information should be protected and kept in a safe location."
    Like (41)
    Follow
    Share
    TheBlackArrows's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    I think this is good, but we need to move AWAY from SSN for identity outside of social security. We should all have a credit ID, tax ID and SSN. All used for separate purposes so that if someone gets your SSN, they can't mess with your credit. Why has no representative pushed for this?
    Like (32)
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    Bob's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/22/2017
    It is utter stupidity to have someone's SS ON A PUBLIC MAILING!
    Like (20)
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    Frank's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/22/2017
    originally SSNs were not supposed to be used for identification but the government and the military began doing just that in the 70s. the result is that personal Id is now closely linked in easily accessible so we oldsters want to help those yet to have stolen ids.
    Like (15)
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    Kristen's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    Keep our information private. Identity theft is quite serious.
    Like (11)
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    itstilleytime's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/24/2017
    This is coming from a perspective of a tax preparation volunteer. While it might not be necessary to have a SSN on EVERY single legal document, there is most certainly a benefit to having this number available on documents such as a W2 or other income documents to allow for proper identification and therefore adequate tax preparation. Additionally, a large number of my clients do not have an email address or other means of electronic communication to receive these documents via email. With all this in mind, while maybe some documents can exclude this number, it is necessary to provide proper identification for individuals who are not technologically inclined.
    Like (8)
    Follow
    Share
    tituswife's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/22/2017
    This needs legislation? Social Security already dedacts all but the last four digits. Use some common sense. Of course this should happen, immediately upon enactment.
    Like (5)
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    Forbin1222's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/23/2017
    Man. After looking at the votes you all take I've decided that you have the easiest job on the planet.
    Like (5)
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    Lincoln's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    Please stop mailing my ssn, it's very insecure and provides tools to hackers.
    Like (4)
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    Jacqueline's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    The days of including or asking for SSN and date of birth in documents or in an public forum needs to be over.
    Like (4)
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    JodyR's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/22/2017
    Yes, social security number should never be on any papers mailed by them. Should take effect as soon as possible to stop any possible theft of that most important number. When you first get your card, It says you should never carry your social security card on you, but store in a safe place. Well, it's not safe when it's in the mail coming to your house either.
    Like (4)
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    Wandakha's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    If this is contributing to confidential intimation being accessible, then what every needs to be done to solve the problems needs to happen.
    Like (4)
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    Cliff's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    Last four digit is good
    Like (4)
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    selliebee's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/24/2017
    This does seem like a no-brainer but I doubt it will substantially reduce identity theft when we've all been pwned or had our user-names, passwords, credit card info, and SSNs leaked in all kinds of data-breaches over the past decade. Maybe start with a bill that protects our info in a meaningful way. I actually find this bill incredibly ironic since the 115 congress is so utterly unconcerned with its citizens basic privacy-repealing the protections Obama gave us with the infamous S.J.Res. 34. (Thanks GOP! For clearly not giving a flying fuck about citizens rights to privacy). Really, this bill is not about our protections at all: it's only about protecting the government.
    Like (4)
    Follow
    Share
    Mike's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    Can we also maybe use an identification system that has more security than a library card? SSN was never meant to be an ID and it's extremely vulnerable.
    Like (4)
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    Steve's Opinion Against
    ···
    05/25/2017
    The internet is infinitely more unsafe than the US postal service. Every GOP bill introduced so far is a waste of time and symbolic pandering.
    Like (3)
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    SamanthaDeGroot's Opinion In Favor
    ···
    05/24/2017
    Identity theft is real, yet the government that blames you if your ss card gets stolen, prints in out and mails it Willy Nilly!
    Like (3)
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