Representative Connie Keogh, sponsor of House Joint Resolution 21, told the Montana House Business and Labor Committee the measure asks Congress and the federal executive branch to "secure and strengthen Social Security and the Social Security trust fund." The hearing drew more than a dozen in-person proponents and several online witnesses who described Social Security as essential to seniors, people with disabilities and survivors.

Keogh (D-Missoula), who represents House District 92, opened with data from the resolution text, saying 258,613 retirees received Social Security benefits in 2023 and that Social Security lifted nearly 66,000 Montanans aged 65 and older out of poverty in 2022. She cited the program's accumulated surplus and said Social Security’s trust fund is invested in U.S. Treasury securities.

Speakers representing Big Sky 55 Plus, AARP affiliates, Disability Rights Montana and other organizations urged the committee to send the joint resolution to the full Legislature so Montana can signal to Congress that it supports strengthening benefits and safeguarding the trust fund. John Ellingson, vice chair of Big Sky 55 Plus, said Montana had an early state-level system in 1923 and called the program "a promise" that should be defended.

Multiple witnesses gave local context: Becky Brandborg, who described herself as self-employed and still paying Social Security taxes, said her benefit is spent locally; Don Lepinski recounted how long-term care costs were offset in part by Social Security benefits for his mother; Disability Rights Montana's Krista Gabriel said the program is a "lifeline" for many Montanans with disabilities. Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works (testifying online), urged committee members to support federal bills such as the Social Security 2100 Act and the Social Security Expansion Act that would increase benefits and broaden the payroll tax base.

Proponents repeatedly pushed back on what they called common myths—that Social Security is a "Ponzi scheme" or that its trust fund has been spent inappropriately—and pointed listeners to the Social Security Administration and the chief actuary's reports for up-to-date actuarial information.

Representative Keogh closed by urging the committee to pass HJ21 so the Legislature could send a clear message to Congress that Montana wants Social Security preserved and strengthened. The hearing record shows no formal committee action or vote on HJ21 during the session segment provided.

The hearing primarily consisted of proponent testimony; no opponents were recorded in the transcript excerpt provided.