From PBS NewsHour.

Frank Bisignano have an opening statement Tuesday in his confirmation hearing to become the head of the Social Security Administration.

The hearing comes as the agency has started to implement cuts and changes that advocates fear will diminish a service that is already understaffed and prone to long wait times.

Up to 7,000 people could be laid off as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce the federal work force, the agency said in a statement. A few dozen field offices were listed for closure by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, as the agency announced plans to require in-person identity checks and restrict what can be verified over the phone or online.

More than 70 million people receive Social Security benefits. Musk has claimed without evidence to have uncovered widespread fraud in the agency. Trump and Republican leaders have promised to protect Social Security benefits, though some administration officials, like Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, have spoken about the possibility of disruptions in benefits.

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