Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) released the following statement upon House passage HR 5739, legislation that will terminate payment of Social Security benefits to activists or sympathizers of the Nazi regime, originally determined to be eligible because of a previous work history.  

      “Social Security is a sacred trust that provides hard-earned benefits for American workers and their families.  We must protect it from reductions and abuse, while ensuring it remains sustainable for future generations,” said Smith.  “This is why the program was established and it was certainly not intended to provide benefits to Nazi war criminals that deceitfully entered the U.S. and attempted to cover up their heinous acts.”

      “Like many Americans, I was shocked to learn that millions of dollars in Social Security benefits were being paid out to former Nazis who either voluntarily left the U.S. or fled prior to deportation,” Smith continued. “Accordingly, I was pleased to support the unanimous House passage of the No Social Security for Nazis Act this week and close this loophole.”

      H.R. 5739 amends current law to stop benefit payments to those denaturalized due to participation in Nazi persecutions and those who voluntarily renounced their citizenship as part of a settlement with the Attorney General related to their participation in Nazi persecution.  

      The bill further ensures that those who are ineligible for benefits based on participation in Nazi persecutions do not receive spousal benefits due to marriage to a Social Security beneficiary or Supplemental Security Income benefits; requires the Attorney General to certify to Congress that the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has been notified of all those whose benefits should be terminated due to participation in Nazi persecutions; and requires the Commissioner of Social Security to certify that benefits were terminated.

      “I urge the Senate to take immediate action on H.R. 5739, ensuring that the benefits for our nation’s senior and disabled citizens are not exploited by Nazi war criminals,” Smith said.