U.S. Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) issued a joint statement following a significant bipartisan vote in the Senate that passed the Social Security Fairness Act, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at abolishing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The bill is now on its way to the president for signing into law.
The Representatives highlighted the importance of this legislation for countless Americans, including police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other state and local public servants who took on additional jobs to support their families. They also emphasized their commitment to aiding widows and widowers who have been denied their partners’ Social Security benefits while dealing with their loss. They acknowledged that citizens across the country have long advocated for changes to protect their retirement security, stating that their voices have finally been heard after over four decades of injustice.
Graves and Spanberger stated, “We will not take our foot off the gas until this bill reaches the president’s desk.” Their relentless efforts included filing a discharge petition that garnered the necessary support to force a vote in the House. The legislation received a warm reception in October, gaining a bipartisan majority in both the U.S. House and Senate.
The WEP and GPO, established in 1983, reduce or eliminate Social Security benefits for over 2.4 million Americans, particularly those who have dedicated their careers to public service roles. A recent nonpartisan report revealed that the WEP negatively impacts over 1.7 million citizens, and the GPO affects more than 420,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, more than 320,000 retirees bear the consequences of both provisions.
The Social Security Fairness Act was reintroduced in January 2023, with ongoing efforts to address the provisions. Recent hearings and advocacy have been instrumental in maintaining momentum for the proposed reforms.
This important legislative progress represents a hopeful shift towards greater fairness for public servants in retirement, ensuring they receive the benefits they earned through years of hard work. It underscores a collaborative effort in Congress that can positively impact the lives of millions.
In summary, the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act marks a significant win for public servants and their families, highlighting bipartisan support for meaningful reforms that protect the economic security of Americans who have dedicated their lives to public service.