Bush makes pro-privatization recess appointment at SSA

On Wednesday, President Bush announced his intention to appoint Andrew Biggs to be Deputy Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) while Congress is in recess. 

Biggs, who wrote extensively while at the CATO Institute in favor of the privatization of Social Security, and even for its elimination entirely, will serve for the rest of the President's term of office in the number two position at SSA. 

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT), as well as other Congressional leaders, had made it clear that Mr. Biggs was unacceptable, and would not be confirmed, when Bush nominated him this year. 

“President Bush remains fully committed to privatization and is once again ignoring the will of the American people and of Congress.  This White House will never give up its crusade to turn Social Security over to Wall Street money managers,” said George J. Kourpias, President of the Alliance.