House Passes Bill to Reform Social Security

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bipartisan bill aiming to enhance Social Security benefits for public sector workers, particularly in states like Alaska and Connecticut, by eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). The bill received overwhelming support with a 327-75 vote and is now headed to the Senate, where it has garnered significant co-sponsorship. Rep. Mary Peltola of Alaska emphasized the need for fair compensation for public servants, while the Connecticut Education Association highlighted the detrimental effects of WEP on teachers' benefits. This legislation could potentially uplift thousands of beneficiaries who have been adversely affected by these provisions for decades. If passed in the Senate and signed into law, it would represent a significant shift in how Social Security benefits are calculated for individuals who also receive pensions from non-Social Security-covered jobs. The urgency to pass the bill before the end of the congressional session is heightened due to the limited time available for votes.