April 23, 2026
Mrs. Foushee introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
To amend titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act to make the reconsideration review process optional.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Respecting Every Claimant’s appeal Options Now Act
or the RECON Act
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Sec. 2. Elimination of mandatory reconsideration review
(a) Title II amendment
Section 205(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(b)(1)) is amended by adding at the end the following: The Commissioner shall provide opportunity for a hearing in accordance with this subsection with respect to any initial decision or determination under this title upon the request of such applicant or such other individual. The Commissioner may not require reconsideration of the initial decision or determination prior to the hearing.
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(b) Title XVI amendment
Section 1631(c)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1383(c)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following: The Commissioner shall provide opportunity for a hearing in accordance with this subsection with respect to any initial decision or determination under this title upon the request of such individual. The Commissioner may not require reconsideration of the initial decision or determination prior to the hearing.
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(c) Effective date
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to any initial decision or determination relating to entitlement to a benefit under title II or XVI of the Social Security Act made on or after the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act.