On Wednesday, the Senate confirmed Martin O’Malley as the new head of the Social Security Administration. O’Malley, a successful technology investor and philanthropist, was nominated by President Joe Biden in May, and his confirmation was widely expected.
O’Malley is well-suited for this important role in government out of his experience as the founder and CEO of a successful tech company. He also has a long history of public service, having served as the mayor of Baltimore and governor of Maryland.
During the confirmation process, O’Malley outlined his commitment to protecting Social Security, beyond safeguarding the financial security of seniors. O’Malley argued for protection of benefits for disabled Americans and for ensuring that children receive benefits after the death of parents. O’Malley added that Social Security is necessary for providing financial security and economic equality in the United States.
The Senate confirmed O’Malley’s nomination with a bipartisan 76-15 vote. His confirmation was met with both relief and criticism, with the former coming from senators and advocates of social security programs, and the latter from opponents who have accused O’Malley of being too eager to expand government involvement in the program.
With O’Malley at the helm, the Social Security Administration will be in a good place to tackle the challenges it faces to keep our most vulnerable citizens secure and financially stable. O’Malley’s experience, commitment, and skill-set make him the perfect person to lead the agency as it enters a new era of oversight.