Congresswoman Shontel Brown Hosts Social Security Town Hall with Former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley in Cleveland

Cleveland, OH – Today, over 250 constituents attended Congresswoman Shontel Brown’s (OH-11) Social Security Town Hall in Cleveland with former Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. O’Malley served as the Commissioner of the SSA under President Biden and was previously the Governor of Maryland (2007-2015). Former Commissioner O’Malley has warned that Social Security is close to a “total system collapse.”

The Trump Administration has announced plans to fire thousands of SSA staff and close offices across the country. This month, the LA Times and Washington Post reported that Social Security beneficiaries were experiencing long wait times and delays following DOGE cuts.

“Social Security is not just a promise it's a lifeline," said Congresswoman Brown. "With the threats we’re seeing from the Trump Administration like firing thousands of SSA staff and closing offices—we must fight back to ensure that every senior gets the benefits they’ve earned.”

Congresswoman Brown has been a champion for strengthening and expanding Social Security. She voted for the Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by President Biden earlier this year, which eliminated the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—provisions that had unfairly reduced benefits for millions of retirees, including approximately 230,000 Ohioans.

She also proudly cosponsors the Social Security 2100 Act, which would expand benefits across the board, boost payments for low-income seniors and the oldest retirees, and ensure the program remains strong for future generations.

Brown has vocally opposed Project 2025, a policy blueprint authored by current Trump allies and members of the House Republican Study Committee, which proposes severe cuts to Social Security and other critical safety net programs.