I am writing again to express my concern about the damage that DOGE is doing to Social Security. They are now changing policies on what actions can be handled online, which will force thousands of more people to go to their already overloaded local offices to complete their business. This will result in further delays in receiving benefits and will be an additional roadblock for the most vulnerable in our community.

DOGE now thinks it will just take it a few months to rewrite the tens of millions of lines of computer code for the core logic in SSA programs that determine eligibility for benefits, compute benefit amounts and issue payments to 70 million Americans. Previous studies say it would take years to do it safely.

This is just another example of the “do things fast and dirty” actions DOGE is taking across government that have real consequences for all of us. Cancelling contracts for PTSD study at the VA will harm combat veterans. Less funding for scientific research will mean fewer jobs and new construction here in Rhode Island.

Local health services are in danger with cuts the state received last week. Local farmers will not be paid for providing food to families in need through local nutrition programs. Vaccine research is eliminated while outbreaks of viruses here and abroad are increasing. Libraries and museums will lose support that provide good local jobs. IRS staff investigating fraud on tax returns are being laid off.

Food inspections and air and water quality monitoring here and across the country will be cut back. Accurate weather and marine forecasts are on the chopping block. There are lots of things that government does that you take for granted or don’t notice until they are gone.

Demand that Congress take responsibility for protecting the programs they enacted and demand the White House stop the arbitrary cuts that don’t improve efficiency but instead mean less support and services for all Americans.

Rock Singewald
Warren