Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) sent a letter today to Nancy A. Berryhill, Acting Commissioner of Social Security Administration and Steve Breen, Acting San Francisco Regional Commissioner (Region IX), requesting a formal public notice or an announcement regarding how it intends to assist the victims and the families of the Las Vegas attack, including special procedures for expedited enrollment and claims processing.
“In response to this tragedy, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals have worked around the clock under harrowing circumstances to provide life-saving care for hundreds of victims,” read the senators’ letter. “Unfortunately, 58 innocent people tragically lost their lives and have left behind families and loved ones – including spouses and dependents. As family members and loved ones strive to grapple with such loss in light of this heinous attack, it is vital that federal agencies offer support for those affected.”
The text of the letter can be found below:
October 17, 2017
Nancy A. Berryhill
Acting Commissioner of Social Security
Social Security Administration
6401 Security Blvd., 3100 West High Rise
Baltimore, MD 21235
Commissioner Berryhill,
On the night of October 1, 2017, a gunman opened fire on 22,000 people attending the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. During this horrific event, fifty-eight individuals were murdered and nearly 500 innocent people sustained injuries, making this attack the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history.
In response to this tragedy, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals have worked around the clock under harrowing circumstances to provide life-saving care for hundreds of victims. Unfortunately, 58 innocent people tragically lost their lives and have left behind families and loved ones – including spouses and dependents. As family members and loved ones strive to grapple with such loss in light of this heinous attack, it is vital that federal agencies offer support for those affected.
We respectfully request the Social Security Administration issue a formal public notice or announcement as to how it intends to assist the victims and the families of the Las Vegas shooting, including expedited enrollment. Please provide a copy of guidance for special procedures to process claims of survivor benefits, benefits for people with disabilities, or other benefits for those affected by the tragedy in Las Vegas.
Thank you for your timely consideration of this request.
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