Legislation Approved to Boost Social Security Benefits for Numerous Citizens

Magnifying glass focusing on Social Security Administration webpage.

The House of Representatives has made a decisive move on a Social Security bill that could transform the lives of millions, but will it get the support it needs to become law?

At a Glance

The House passed a bipartisan bill to enhance Social Security, voting 327-75.
The bill seeks to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
Potential beneficiaries include 2.8 million pensioners from non-covered jobs.
The legislation could add $195 billion to federal deficits over a decade.
The bill requires Senate approval and Presidential signing to enact changes by December 2023.

Landmark Bill Clears House

The House of Representatives recently approved a bill aimed at expanding Social Security benefits, receiving notable bipartisan support with a 327-75 vote. The action was taken during Congress’s lame-duck session, signalizing a significant commitment to address economic insecurity among beneficiaries. To become law, the bill will still need Senate approval and the President’s signature, making upcoming decisions crucial.

The bill mainly targets the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These legislative measures currently reduce Social Security payouts for approximately 2.8 million individuals, particularly affecting those receiving pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security. If eliminated, thousands including educators, firefighters, and police officers could see significant benefit increases.

The House has passed legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people, pushing it one step closer to becoming law.

Here’s what to know about the legislation and what could happen next: https://t.co/oXeIWFIkcC

— ABC News (@ABC) November 18, 2024

Financial Implications and Support

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the new legislation will add approximately $195 billion to federal deficits over the next decade, adding financial pressure on the Social Security Trust funds. The bill’s progress is contingent on Senate backing. Despite widespread support, it faces other competing legislative priorities, necessitating at least 60 votes in the Senate for approval.

In some instances, it reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes.” – According to the Social Security Administration

63 sponsors in the Senate provide a promising outlook, yet it remains uncertain whether it will be prioritized amidst a busy legislative calendar. Should the Senate pass the bill and President Biden sign it, the changes would apply to benefits beginning after December 2023. However, if not enacted by January 3, supporters face restarting the legislative journey from scratch.

The House has overwhelmingly passed H. R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act.

For the sake of all Americans, especially our first responders, who are entitled to their full benefits, the Senate must act. https://t.co/Lwgd6YTd3K

— Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (@RepDesposito) November 14, 2024

Advocacy and Opposition

Advocates such as National Education Association (NEA) and NEA-Retired emphasize the extended impact of WEP and GPO on educators, fueling advocacy efforts for decades. Their involvement, sharing personal stories with lawmakers, highlights financial insecurities resulting from these provisions. Confidence remains high within advocacy groups that ongoing efforts will ultimately yield beneficial outcomes for current and future retirees.

“For more than 40 years, the Social Security trust funds have been artificially propped up by stolen benefits that millions of Americans paid for and that their families deserve” – Reps. Garret Graves, R-La. and Abigail Spanberger, D-Va.

Conversely, critics caution about the bill’s potential adverse effects. They argue that increased deficits could weaken Social Security by accelerating the depletion of its trust funds. Organizations like the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare acknowledge the bill as a positive step but push for broader reforms to secure long-term viability.