The Senate confirmed Frank Bisignano as the new commissioner of the Social Security Administration on Tuesday. The 53-47 vote fell along party lines, installing President Trump's nominee to lead the agency responsible for benefits payments to 73 million Americans.
Mr. Bisignano, 65, formerly served as chairman and CEO of Fiserv, a financial technology company. He takes the helm at a time when the agency has undergone changes, including staff reductions and alterations to handling sensitive data, influenced by the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Democrats voiced opposition during his confirmation process, raising concerns about his ties to DOGE and the potential for further disruptive changes or movement toward privatization of the agency. During his Senate testimony in March, Mr. Bisignano denied any intention to privatize Social Security.
He also addressed concerns about data security, stating he would take necessary steps to protect private information. However, in a separate context, he previously described himself as "fundamentally a DOGE person."
Supporters, including Republican Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, highlighted Mr. Bisignano's background leading large financial operations and his stated commitment to improving customer service.
Mr. Bisignano outlined priorities including improving the accuracy of payments and reducing lengthy wait times for beneficiaries seeking assistance. He cited an Inspector General report indicating a payment error rate around 1%, which he called too high. He pledged to work on recovering improper payments while acknowledging the human element in the process.
He also stated a goal to dramatically reduce phone wait times, aiming for under a minute, and to investigate delays in processing disability benefit applications, which have doubled since before the pandemic.
Former Citigroup CEO Sandy Weill praised Mr. Bisignano in a March CNBC interview, calling him a "great manager" and the "best operations person" he had known.
