Langevin Draws on Personal Story in Message to New Social Security Judges

Addressing a new group of judges being sworn in today to determine the outcomes of Social Security Disability cases, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) used his life story to emphasize the importance of their task. His remarks were part of a keynote address delivered to nineteen new Administrative Law Judges and ten new Administrative Appeals Judges for the Social Security Administration (SSA) who will play a key role in reducing the disability backlog. During his speech before administering the oath of office, Langevin recalled the incident when a gun accidentally discharged and fired a bullet that severed his spinal cord, leaving him a quadriplegic at age 16.

“I consider myself extremely lucky to have received Social Security Disability Insurance when I needed it the most,” said Langevin. “It allowed me to live independently while I put the pieces of my life back together. Sometimes people need a helping hand, and under the vision of FDR, we as a nation decided we would provide it. It is up to all of us to ensure we carry that promise forward.”

Langevin described his path from recovery as a high school student in Warwick to Rhode Island College. The support he received from his family and community inspired him to run for public office at the state and then the federal level. With a little help from the Social Security Act and, later, the Americans with Disabilities Act, he was able to build a successful career for himself. He also underscored the significance of the judges’ role in determining the legitimacy of the hundreds of thousands of disability cases filed each year and making sure people who need help get it in a timely way.

“The individuals whose cases you hear will count on you to use thoughtful, fair and sound judgment,” said Langevin. “So it is crucial that you take your role seriously, respect the authority you will have to influence an individual’s future, and recognize your duty to make the right decision in a timely manner. For some, it will mean continuing to live with dignity. For others, it will provide a pathway to a new life, and they too may one day serve in the United States Congress.”

Langevin has supported efforts to reduce the backlog of cases, the number of which increased when the economic downturn hit. For Fiscal Year 2012, which began in October, the average processing time for a case is down 80 days from FY 2010 and 168 days from FY 2008. In addition, according to SSA, the Administration is issuing more hearing decisions, an increase of 45% between FYs 2007 and 2011, and expects that to increase to 55% through FY 2012.

“Many people who suffer a disability can’t afford to wait a year or two for a decision that will literally determine the course of their lives,” said Langevin. “I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank [Social Security] Commissioner [Michael] Astrue for his unyielding commitment to reducing these backlogs and overall hearing processing times. This has been no easy feat. It has and will continue to require the implementation of more efficient work practices, as well as the dedication of a thoughtful and intelligent workforce [of judges].”