Baton Rouge Reporter

Following the discharge petition led by U.S. Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) reaching the 218 signatures necessary to force a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on their bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, several organizations representing public servants celebrated this progress and urged swift votes in both chambers.

Earlier this month, Graves and Spanberger filed a discharge petition to force a vote on their legislation that aims to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions reduce or eliminate earned Social Security benefits for approximately 2.8 million Americans who have careers in public service, including police officers, firefighters, educators, and government employees.

After reaching this milestone, various organizations expressed their support. Patrick Yoes, National President of the National Fraternal Order of Police said: “For 40 years, millions of public servants have seen their benefits stolen by a grossly unfair system... We need the vote in the House and then we need to get time on the Senate floor.”

Edward A. Kelly, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters stated: “We are excited to see a majority of House Members clearly demand that we stop this shameful denial of benefits... The IAFF also applauds Representatives Spanberger and Graves for their courageous and bipartisan leadership.”

William "Bill" Shackelford, National President of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association remarked: “WEP and GPO penalize hardworking Americans for serving their communities... I would like to express heartfelt appreciation to every member of the House who signed the petition.”

Lee Saunders, President of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees commented: “For too long, countless public service workers... have unjustly been denied Social Security benefits they earned.” He urged both chambers to move quickly on passing this legislation.

Brian Renfroe, President of National Association of Letter Carriers said: “We are grateful to every single member who signed the discharge petition... NALC is committed to continuing our advocacy to finally get this bill signed into law.”

Don Maston from National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association also expressed gratitude towards those involved in leading efforts against WEP and GPO.

Doreen Greenwald from National Treasury Employees Union added: “NTEU appreciates all of the hard work Reps. Graves and Spanberger have done leading on H.R. 82.”

Shannon Benton from The Senior Citizens League emphasized that achieving 218 signatures helps restore faith among those affected by WEP and GPO.

Randi Weingarten from American Federation of Teachers noted it was a historic milestone brought forth by activists across America.

Becky Pringle from National Education Association stressed that WEP and GPO discourage people from pursuing public service careers.

Len Pugliese from American Federation of School Administrators highlighted bipartisan support as recognition that public servants have been disproportionately harmed by these provisions.

Brian R. Marvel from Peace Officers Research Association called it a landmark achievement bringing them closer than ever before toward restoring fairness for public employees' retirement security.

Suzie Dixon from California Retired Teachers Association thanked all supporters while emphasizing unified action's power in repealing these penalties.

Graves and Spanberger reintroduced their bill at start 118th Congress January 2023; they consistently pushed for its vote since then while addressing issues related through hearings held November same year St George Louisiana urging further actions March following year committee markups required steps forward passage legislative goals targeted eliminating unfair impacts affecting millions beneficiaries nationwide deserving rightful earned retirements after lifetime services provided communities country alike ensuring dignified futures deserved rightfully attained respected appreciated