“The U.S. Senate took a very important stride tonight by voting to take up the House-passed Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal the unpopular WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) & GPO (Government Pension Offset) provisions of Social Security. These rules prevent some public sector retirees and their family members from collecting Social Security benefits. The legislation can now go to the Senate floor for a vote. If the bill passes, it goes to President Biden for his signature.
We support this bill because it removes an unfairness in the system by allowing teachers, firefighters, and police officers (among others) and their families to collect Social Security benefits. Our members and supporters have made it clear that they want the WEP & GPO repealed.
We oppose any amendments that may be offered to dilute this legislation or cut Social Security benefits in any way — including raising the retirement age. We sent a letter on Wednesday to all 100 U.S. Senators opposing any effort to raise the retirement age. We believe that if Republicans are concerned about costs, they should support bringing more revenue into the system by demanding that high earners pay their fair share — not by cutting benefits.
Today’s vote puts us one step closer to the long-sought goal of restoring fairness to a system that has worked incredibly well for nearly 90 years to provide American workers with basic financial security.” – Max Richtman, President and CEO, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
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Media Inquires:
Walter Gottlieb