Congressman Troy Carter Applauds Senate Approval of Social Security Fairness Act
These federal policies, in place for decades, have penalized nearly 3 million public servants, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, and postal workers, by reducing or eliminating their Social Security benefits.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) celebrated the Senate’s approval of the Social Security Fairness Act, a bipartisan measure that eliminates two controversial provisions reducing Social Security benefits for millions of public employees. The legislation now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk for signature.
The Senate voted 76-20 in favor of the act, which repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These federal policies, in place for decades, have penalized nearly 3 million public servants, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, and postal workers, by reducing or eliminating their Social Security benefits.
“WEP and GPO are harmful provisions that slash public servants’ Social Security benefits,” said Congressman Carter, an original cosponsor of the legislation. “I’ve fought for this change from the beginning, and I’m optimistic President Biden will sign it into law. Our teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other federal employees deserve their full benefits. Promises made, promises kept.”
The Social Security Fairness Act has been a legislative priority for decades, with the Senate holding its first hearings on the issue in 2003. Public employees have long advocated for the repeal of WEP and GPO, citing the unfair financial penalties imposed on their earned benefits.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed the vote as a correction of a “50-year mistake.” The bill previously passed the House in November with bipartisan support.
Republicans in the Senate were divided on the legislation, with 20 voting in favor and 20 opposing it. Four senators, including Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Senator Joe Manchin (I-WV), did not vote.
With the president’s anticipated signature, the repeal is set to restore full Social Security benefits for public servants across the nation. Congressman Carter emphasized the significance of this moment for millions of Americans.
“This is about fairness, justice, and keeping our promises to those who have dedicated their lives to public service,” Carter said. “This legislation is a victory for teachers, firefighters, police officers, and all hardworking Americans who deserve what they’ve earned.”
The passage of the Social Security Fairness Act represents a milestone in the fight for equity in retirement benefits, marking a significant win for public sector workers and their advocates.
