Bipartisan Social Security Bill Passes House, Awaits Senate Decision

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant development for millions of Americans relying on Social Security benefits, the House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill designed to enhance these benefits by repealing two restrictive federal policies. The bill, which received a 327-75 vote in the House, will now move to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain.

The legislation aims to eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have long been a source of frustration for many who receive both a pension from non-Social Security-covered jobs and Social Security benefits. According to the Congressional Research Service, these policies currently affect approximately 2.8 million people, including many former state, local, and federal government employees such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers.

While the bill promises increased payments for affected retirees, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that it will add $195 billion to federal deficits over the next decade. This predicted increase in costs has caused concern among fiscally conservative lawmakers. Yet, supporters, including Reps. Garret Graves (R-La.) and Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.), argue that repealing the policies rectifies years of «stolen benefits» from hardworking Americans.

In the Senate, the bill has garnered sponsorship from 63 senators, including Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), signaling broad support. Despite this, the Senate’s packed legislative calendar — filled with matters such as government funding, disaster relief, and defense plans — could impede its passage before the new congressional session begins on January 3.

If passed, the bill will advance to President Joe Biden for signing, with changes becoming effective for benefits payable after December 2023. However, should the Senate fail to vote on the bill before the session ends, its backers will have to restart the legislative process.

Concerns about the impact on Social Security’s fiscal health remain a pressing issue. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget warns that the bill could hasten the depletion of Social Security’s trust funds by six months, while Romina Boccia, director of budget and entitlement policy at the Cato Institute, criticizes the bill as being driven by «special interests» rather than long-term policy solutions.

Despite the concerns, Max Richtman, president of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, lauds the House vote as a «bipartisan victory for public sector employees and their families,» advocating further efforts for comprehensive social security reforms.