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AFSCME Maryland retiree joins lawmakers in urging investigation of DOGE

Diana Lyles, an AFSCME retiree from Maryland, joined lawmakers in calling for investigation into DOGE’s illegal accessing of Social Security data. Photo credit: AFSCME staff.
AFSCME Maryland retiree joins lawmakers in urging investigation of DOGE
By AFSCME Staff ·
Tags: Priorities Retirees Retirement Security

Yesterday, AFSCME Maryland retiree Diana Lyles joined lawmakers on Capitol Hill calling for an investigation into the so-called Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) illegal accessing of Americans’ private, secure Social Security data. 

The event was hosted by Rep. John Larson, Rep. Richard Neal, the ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and Rep. Joe Morelle, the ranking member of the House Administration Committee, who announced a Resolution of Inquiry — a measure to compel the Trump administration to hand over all their records relating to DOGE’s efforts to obtain Social Security Administration data. The Resolution of Inquiry was co-sponsored by every Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee. 

“I’m here today as someone who relies on Social Security, and I’m proud to speak on behalf of the 2,500 AFSCME retirees who have called for an investigation into the misuse of our Social Security data by DOGE,” said Lyles, a member of Maryland AFSCME Retirees Chapter 1. 

“Seniors and people with disabilities have enough to worry about,” said Lyles, referring to the affordability crisis that so many seniors face. “We shouldn’t also have to worry about our Social Security data being misused or put at risk by billionaires who will never have to rely on a Social Security check to keep a roof over their heads or a meal on their tables.” 

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Since last year, AFSCME members have led the fight in sounding the alarm about DOGE’s illegal involvement with the Social Security Administration and Americans’ private data.  

AFSCME has partnered with other unions and allies in a lawsuit aiming to block DOGE’s unlawful accessing of millions of Americans’ sensitive data, to hold the administration accountable for putting working people and retirees’ financial security at risk. 

And last month, in a filing in AFSCME’s case, the Department of Justice acknowledged that Elon Musk’s DOGE had unlawfully accessed and misused American’s Social Security data. 

At the event, Lyles echoed the frustration — and the activism — of her fellow retirees and all working people.  

“Retirees and working people deserve to know that their information is safe, that those who abuse it will be held accountable, and that Social Security will remain an essential lifeline to those in retirement,” said Lyles. 

She added: “We will continue to fight to hold this administration accountable and safeguard Social Security from billionaires who want to break the agency and shut it down.” 

If you want to mobilize alongside fired up AFSCME retirees like Diana Lyles, join us here.  

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