Coats Introduces Bill To Deny Social Security Benefits To Fugitives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Sen. Dan Coats, chairman of the Joint Economic Committee and a member of the Senate Finance Committee, has introduced legislation that would prohibit individuals with outstanding arrest warrants for a felony or parole violation from receiving Social Security retirement and disability benefits, special World War II benefits and supplemental security income payments.

Coats says he expects the legislation to save taxpayers as much as $4.8 billion over 10 years.

The bill addresses issues raised by three recent court cases, which opponents argue have in effect expanded the eligibility of fugitive felons for government benefits. The proposed legislation only applies to felony charges or a crime carrying a minimum term of one or more years in prison.