Baton Rouge Reporter

U.S. Representatives Garret Graves and Abigail Spanberger announced that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Social Security Fairness Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which affect many public servants such as police officers, teachers, and firefighters.

Graves and Spanberger stated, "By passing the Social Security Fairness Act, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives showed up for the millions of Americans — police officers, teachers, firefighters, and other local and state public servants — who worked a second job to make ends meet or began a second career to support their families after retiring from public service." They added that this vote would provide secure retirement benefits to spouses who have been denied these benefits due to their career choices.

The act addresses concerns that for over 40 years, Social Security trust funds have been supported by benefits that many Americans paid for but did not receive. The representatives noted, "The long-term solvency of Social Security is an issue that Congress must address — but an issue that is wholly separate from allowing Virginians, Louisianans, and Americans across our country who did their part and contributed their earnings to retire with dignity."

The bill has gained support from 62 Senators, surpassing the majority needed in the Senate. Graves and Spanberger urged Senate leadership to advance this legislation: "We encourage Senate leadership to build upon this clear momentum, bring our bipartisan effort up for a vote, and deliver retirement security to Americans who have earned it."

A discharge petition filed by Graves and Spanberger secured enough signatures to force a vote on this legislation before Congress adjourned for its October district work period. The WEP currently affects about 2 million beneficiaries while the GPO impacts nearly 800,000 retirees.

Both provisions reduce or eliminate earned Social Security benefits for those receiving public pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security. The GPO specifically reduces spousal benefits for government employees whose jobs are not covered by Social Security.

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