Congressman Gonzalez Supports Bill to Protect Social Security, Medicare Recipients’ Private Information

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) released a statement rebuking the recent actions from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access the U.S. Department of Treasury’s payment system, which is used to disburse payments to millions of Medicare and Social Security recipients.  

Congressman Gonzalez recently supported and co-sponsored the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, which safeguards Americans’ confidential and private information from being used with no accountability or oversight and protects Social Security and Medicare payments from being restricted or delayed. 

“Social Security recipients, Medicare beneficiaries, and millions of Americans deserve to have their private data remain private,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “The unregulated access of DOGE employees into our country’s most sensitive payment systems isn’t just worrisome, it is dangerous. Republicans have tried time and time again to defund or privatize Social Security and Medicare – I will not stand for this. This legislation would protect Americans’ private data and keep these vital benefits flowing to those who need it most: our seniors.” 

Congressman Gonzalez is a strong proponent of increasing government efficiency to better serve the American people, but recent actions by the Trump Administration have not achieved that goal.

By allowing unfettered access to payment systems, Republicans simply want to find ways to lower payments and cut benefits. 

The Taxpayer Data Protection Act would ensure that anyone accessing the system has lawful authorization and necessary security clearance, would require anyone who accesses the system with a personal financial conflict faces criminal penalties, and would guarantee that Congress and the public have notice of any unauthorized access.  

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