A bill that aims to keep people with felony warrants or parole violations from receiving Social Security disability or retirement checks was passed by the House on Thursday along mostly party lines.
The Control Unlawful Fugitive Felon (CUFF) Act was introduced by Reps. Kristin Noem, R-S.D., and Sam Johnson, R-Texas, in June.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would save taxpayers roughly $4.9 billion.
“It’s incredible to think that a wanted felon can evade prosecution for months – even years – and yet somehow still receive government-issued checks every 30 days or so,” said Rep. Noem.
Johnson, who is chairman of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee said the bill is “the right thing to do – both for the safety of and respect for all upstanding American citizens.”
The legislation also applies to people subject to felony charges, or a crime with a minimum prison sentence of one or more years.
However, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits can be restored once the person “resolves any outstanding issues.”
