Establishment of the office of baby assistance

(a) In general There is established within the Social Security Administration an office to be known as the Office of Baby Assistance. The Office shall be headed by a Deputy Commissioner appointed by the Commissioner of Social Security. (b) Responsibilities of deputy commissioner The Commissioner, acting through the Deputy Commissioner, shall— (1) hire such personnel as are necessary for the Office of Baby Assistance and make employment decisions with regard to such personnel; (2) have the authority to enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with other agencies and departments as are necessary to ensure the efficiency of the program; (3) make baby bonus payments to eligible parents pursuant to section 3; (4) review applications for baby bonus payments; (5) establish and maintain a system of records relating to the administration of this Act; (6) prevent fraud and abuse relating to baby bonus payments; (7) provide information to the public in relation to baby bonus payments, including eligibility requirements, the application process, payment amounts, and limitations on payments; (8) tailor culturally and linguistically competent education and outreach toward increasing utilization rates of baby bonus payments; (9) issue an annual report to Congress detailing the effect of baby bonus payments, including— (A) the number of individuals receiving payments; (B) the total amount of funds disbursed; (C) demographic data of individuals receiving payments; and (D) such other information as the Deputy Commissioner determines is necessary; and (10) issue such regulations as are necessary to carry out this Act. (c) Availability of data The Commissioner shall make available to the Deputy Commissioner such data as the Commissioner determines necessary to enable the Deputy Commissioner to effectively carry out the responsibilities described in subsection (b).