U.S. Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) have announced a significant milestone in the passage of the Social Security Fairness Act, which seeks to abolish the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Following a bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate, the legislation is now set to be signed into law by the president.
In a joint statement, Graves and Spanberger expressed their commitment to millions of dedicated Americans, including police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other public servants. They highlighted that this legislation addresses the unfair treatment of individuals who have taken on additional jobs or careers to support their families. Furthermore, they emphasized their support for hundreds of thousands of widows and widowers who have faced the heartbreak of losing a spouse and being denied their social security benefits.
They stated, “For years, we’ve worked alongside these advocates to build overwhelming bipartisan support among our colleagues… Today, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate voted to correct this glaring injustice.” The lawmakers had previously filed a discharge petition ensuring that the Social Security Fairness Act, after receiving the necessary support, would be brought to a vote in the House.
The WEP and GPO, provisions added to the Social Security Act in 1983, have affected over 2.4 million Americans by reducing or eliminating their retirement benefits. According to a nonpartisan report from 2024, these provisions harm more than 1.7 million individuals through the WEP and over 420,000 beneficiaries through the GPO. This legislative move marks a significant step toward restoring retirement security for public servants who have dedicated their careers to serving others.
As the Social Security Fairness Act now awaits presidential approval, there is hope that this change will provide relief for many who have long endured the repercussions of these provisions. This bipartisan effort showcases Congress’s ability to come together to address injustices within the social security system, indicating a commitment to fairness and support for all citizens, especially those who have devoted their lives to public service.