the finance committee is here today to consider the nomination of carolyn watts colvin to fill a role of extraordinary importance to millions of americans. and that is, the position of commissioner of the social security administration. if confirmed, ms. colvin will be managing the nuts and bolts of the social security program, a vital task given that more than 62 million americans depend on social security as an economic life line. and i thought, ms. colvin, and chairman ma cull ski, i'll hold off. when americans get this document, that demonstrates the amount that they have paid for their social security insurance, and what the benefits are that they have earned, this is a document people hang on to. and they hang on to it because it's a testament to just how important this program is. and if confirmed, americans are going to depend on you to ensure that social security is operating efficiently, and providing the right amount to the right person at the right time. and we all know that this is not a new role for you. because you have been the acting commissioner since february of 201