The Senate plans to vote on key Social Security changes that could benefit millions of recipients before the new Congressional majority 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 the Social Security,” telling a group of union members, “you’re going to find out which senators are with you and which are [against] you.”
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. We’re going to have the vote,” he continued.
The gathering on Capitol Hill was to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which block more than 2 million retired government workers from receiving their Social Security benefits.
Why are some workers denied Social Security benefits?
The same day, Schumer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to recap his plan to help Americans receive full Social Security benefits despite their job history.
“In America, there’s a basic promise that if you work hard all your life, play by the rules and contribute year after year, then you deserve a secure retirement! That’s why I am doing everything I can to pass the Social Security Fairness Act. And the Senate GOP needs to join us,” he tweeted.
In America, there’s a basic promise that if you work hard all your life, play by the rules and contribute year after year, then you deserve a secure retirement!
That’s why I am doing everything I can to pass the Social Security Fairness Act.
And the Senate GOP needs to join us. pic.twitter.com/pUdRL9eIHH
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 11, 2024
According to Congress Research Service, the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act, would change policies that prohibit workers and their eligible family members from receiving benefits based on earnings from jobs not covered under Social Security or subjected to payroll tax.
The legislation needs Senate support
The legislation garnered bipartisan support in the House, and a Senate version was introduced last year with 62 cosponsors. ABC News reported that the bill requires 62 votes in the Senate before being sent to President Joe Biden for approval.
While Democrats fully back the bill, conservatives in Congress oppose it due to high costs. However, some Republican senators have urged Schumer to bring it to a vote.
As Blavity reported, Social Security recipients are set to receive a cost-of-living adjustment to their monthly benefits starting in January.
