SSA Response to CRE on Opportunity for Public Comment

Your article "SSA Bypasses Regulatory Procedures in order to Get Tough with Benefits Cheaters" makes it sound as though the public is being excluded from the regulatory process on this issue. As the author of this regulation I would like to point out that the second paragraph as published in the Federal Register specifically asks for public comments on the changes being made. Publication as an interim final [rule] was used as an expedient to meet the statutorily imposed deadline and in no way impinges on the public's right to comment and provide input into this process. Some comments have already been received. The comment period will end on September 8, 2000. All comments will be considered and addressed when the regulation is published as a final ruling.