H. R. 82, known as the "Social Security Fairness Act," was passed by Congress just before their Christmas break. The bill repealed laws from 1977 and 1983 that limited certain public pension earners from fully accessing Social Security benefits. The Senate approved the bill with a vote of 76 to 20 and it had previously passed the House with a vote of 327 to 75.
The legislation affects individuals who receive retirement benefits from state or local government pension programs, such as teachers and police officers, by eliminating reductions in Social Security benefits they face. It also lifts the government pension offset that affected surviving spouses and children who inherited pensions. These changes will take effect retroactively from December 2023.
While the bill was pitched as bipartisan, it had more support from Democrats. Some Republican senators, like Bill Cassidy and Tim Scott, played a noteworthy role in promoting its passage. Labor unions have largely praised the bill, which raises concerns for some about its implications for the American public.
Despite helping three million pensioners, the bill does not address ongoing issues of Social Security insolvency, which have persisted for decades. The Congressional Budget Office expects the repeal will increase federal deficits by $195 billion over ten years. The agency warns that, within eleven years, Congress must find a solution to continue Social Security at current funding levels, as projections indicate a decline in the ability to pay full benefits. As the deadline approaches, discussions among politicians and experts about maintaining the program's solvency are expected to intensify.
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