Former Maryland Governor and Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley received a generally positive welcome in his confirmation hearing as the next Social Security Commissioner. Maryland Senator Ben Cardin was joined by former Senator Barbara Mikulski in welcoming O’Malley at the Senate Finance Committee hearing. O’Malley told lawmakers if he is confirmed, he would focus on improving service and boosting the morale at the agency. He says he would also work closely with Congress to prevent the system from becoming insolvent. O’Malley served as governor from 2007 to 2015 following two terms as Baltimore mayor.