H.R. 1876 — Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act

This section imposes a moratorium, effective on enactment, prohibiting the Commissioner of Social Security from closing or consolidating field offices, hearing offices, or resident stations or imposing new limitations on access to such offices (except for emergency closures), with the moratorium ending 180 days after submission of a required report to the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee (not earlier than January 21, 2029). The report must outline and justify the process for selecting offices or stations for closure, consolidation, or limited access, including (1) selection criteria; (2) analysis of factors such as transportation and communication burdens on elderly and disabled individuals served; and (3) cost-benefit analysis covering anticipated savings, replacement service costs, employee effects, access replacement methods, and other relevant factors. The section amends SSA §704 (42 U.S.C. 904) to add requirements for any future closures, consolidations, or access limitations, including (1) public notice at least 120 days prior (via mailing, newspapers, and public postings) detailing access replacement plans and contact information for service issues; and (2) at least two public hearings 30 to 45 days prior (with hearings separated by at least 10 days) at which the Commissioner presents justifications consisting of selection criteria analysis, consideration of access burdens on elderly and disabled individuals, and cost-benefit analysis.