U.S. Representatives Garret Graves (R-LA-06) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) have announced a significant step forward for American retirees following the U.S. Senate’s recent bipartisan approval of the Social Security Fairness Act, aimed at eliminating both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). This legislation now moves to the president for final approval.
In their joint statement, Graves and Spanberger expressed relief that Congress has finally responded to the needs of millions of Americans, including police officers, firefighters, teachers, federal employees, and other public servants who often juggle multiple jobs to support their families. They also emphasized concern for the numerous widows and widowers denied Social Security benefits due to the WEP and GPO, as they navigate the difficult path of grief and financial stability.
Congressman Graves and Representative Spanberger highlighted that for over four decades, constituents have called on their representatives to hear their stories and protect their retirement benefits. “Today, a bipartisan majority of the U.S. Senate voted to correct this glaring injustice,” they noted. Their efforts, alongside various advocates, have resulted in robust bipartisan support aimed at correcting these provisions, which they described as “theft” from hard-earned retirement securities.
Before the October recess, the lawmakers successfully secured enough signatures for a discharge petition to force a vote in the U.S. House. Last month, a bipartisan majority in the House also voted in favor of the Social Security Fairness Act, sending it to the Senate.
The Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset were initially incorporated into the Social Security Act in 1983, impacting over 2.4 million public service workers. According to a nonpartisan report from 2024, these provisions have resulted in unfair reductions or complete elimination of retirement benefits for many, including over 1.7 million affected by the WEP and more than 420,000 by the GPO. Additionally, approximately 320,000 retirees are impacted by both provisions.
Graves and Spanberger reintroduced the Social Security Fairness Act in January 2023 and have since taken multiple steps to elevate the discussion around necessary reforms, continuously pushing for hearings and markups to discuss elimination of the WEP and GPO.
Currently, the WEP can diminish benefits for individuals receiving public pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security. For example, educators who contribute to Social Security through part-time jobs while not receiving Social Security from their primary positions face reduced benefits. The GPO similarly disrupts spousal benefits for government employees, significantly reducing payments to surviving spouses who draw government pensions.
This pivotal moment in advocating for social security fairness reflects growing bipartisan support and demonstrates the potential for meaningful change that honors the hard work of many public servants throughout the country. With the bill heading to the president, there is hope for a future where retirees can enjoy the benefits they rightfully earned without unfair reductions.