The Social Security Fairness Act has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation seeks to abolish the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have resulted in decreased Social Security benefits for numerous employees in the public sector.
The House is currently voting on the passage of H.R. 82 – Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (Sponsored by @RepGarretGraves/ Ways and Means Committee).
— House Press Gallery (@HouseDailyPress) November 12, 2024
Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) introduced the bill. It has received bipartisan backing, with 330 cosponsors in the House. The legislation passed with a significant majority, achieving a 327 to 75 vote.
The House has commenced up to 40 minutes of debate on H.R. 82 – Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (Sponsored by @RepGarretGraves/ Ways and Means Committee).
— House Press Gallery (@HouseDailyPress) November 12, 2024
Our #SocialSecurityFairnessAct aims to safeguard the benefits earned by over 2 million police officers, firefighters, federal employees, and other public servants.
Last night’s vote brings us closer than ever to achieving our goal.
More from @RTDNews: https://t.co/oNKVl3uhU4
— Rep. Abigail Spanberger (@RepSpanberger) November 13, 2024
“With the passing of the Social Security Fairness Act, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives has taken a stand for millions of Americans — including police officers, teachers, firefighters, and other local and state public servants,” Representatives Graves and Spanberger stated. The WEP reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also collect a public pension from a job that is not covered by Social Security. The GPO impacts spousal benefits for those employed by federal, state, or local governments.
61 Senators have cosponsored this legislation. By God, uphold your commitment; America is watching. https://t.co/oIAdjj8Kil
— Rep. Clay Higgins (@RepClayHiggins) November 13, 2024
House Tackles Social Security Regulations
This legislation reduces the benefits received by surviving spouses who also claim a government pension by two-thirds. The bill is now pending in the Senate.
The Senate version of the Social Security Fairness Act boasts 62 cosponsors, exceeding the majority necessary for passage on the Senate floor. Advocacy organizations, including the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) and the Federal Managers Association (FMA), are urging the Senate to prioritize the legislation.
Nonetheless, the Senate’s legislative calendar could pose challenges, as other crucial bills vie for attention. Even if passed, there may still be a delay before the changes take effect. The Social Security Administration will need time to implement the modifications, and the exact duration of this process remains uncertain.
Abolishing the WEP and GPO would address longstanding disparities, ensuring a more equitable distribution of Social Security benefits for those who have dedicated themselves to serving their communities and the country.
