The Senate plans to vote on key Social Security changes that could benefit millions of beneficiaries before the new majority in Congress takes office next month.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said at a rally Thursday that “the Senate is going to take action on Social Security,” telling a group of union members, “You’re going to find out with which senators are you and who are you (against)”.
Schumer plans to change Social Security for government workers
“I got all my Democrats lined up to support it. I want you to work. We need 15 Republicans. Let’s get them. Let’s vote,” he continued.
The meeting on Capitol Hill was to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and the government pension offset, which prevent more than 2 million retired government workers from receiving their Social Security benefits.
Why are some workers denied Social Security benefits?
On the same day, Schumer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to outline his plan to help Americans receive full Social Security benefits despite their work history.
“In America, there is a basic promise that if you work hard all your life, play by the rules, and contribute year after year, you deserve a secure retirement! That’s why I’m doing everything I can to pass the Fairness Social Security. And the Senate GOP must join us,” he tweeted.
In America, there is a basic promise that if you work hard all your life, play by the rules, and contribute year after year, you deserve a secure retirement!
That’s why I’m doing everything I can to pass the Social Security Equity Act.
And the Senate GOP must join us. pic.twitter.com/pUdRL9eIHH
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 11, 2024
according to Congressional Research Servicethe bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act, would change policies that bar workers and their eligible family members from receiving benefits based on earnings from jobs not covered by Social Security or subject to the income tax the payroll
The law needs the support of the Senate
The legislation won bipartisan support in the House and a version was introduced in the Senate last year with 62 co-sponsors. ABC News reported that the bill requires 62 votes in the Senate before being sent to President Joe Biden for approval.
While Democrats support the bill, conservatives in Congress oppose it because of the high costs. However, some Republican senators have urged Schumer to vote for him.
How Blavity reported, Social Security recipients will receive a cost-of-living adjustment to their monthly benefits starting in January.
