'We Send Billions to Dead People': Kennedy Stuns in NewsNation Interview

[rangerrebew]

'We Send Billions to Dead People': Kennedy Stuns in NewsNation Interview
Scott McClallen
Scott McClallen  | February 14, 2026 4:00 PM
 
Sen. John Kennedy, R-LA, interviewed with Katie Pavlich on NewsNation about a bill recently signed into law that aims to stop the federal government from sending money to dead people.
 

Kennedy said that Donald Trump’s administration is stopping the federal government from sending money to dead people.

Trump signed the bill, S. 269, the “Ending Improper Payments to Deceased People Act,” which aims to permanently allow the sharing of death data to prevent and recover improper payments, on Feb. 10.

The bill allows the Social Security Administration to share the Death Master File – a record of deceased individuals – with the Treasury Department’s Do Not Pay system.

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2026/02/14/kennedy-roasts-washington-spending-in-newsnation-interview-n2671333

[roamer_1]

The bill allows the Social Security Administration to share the Death Master File – a record of deceased individuals – with the Treasury Department’s Do Not Pay system.

Well.. Duh.   

[Canuck Conservative]

It took 70 years to do this?

[Hoodat]

It took 70 years to do this?

Don't get excited.  The money will still get spent, just on something else.  There is nothing in this provision that actually decreases funding.  They'll still spend it.  All at a level 5% higher than last year.