Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on H.R. 82

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on H.R. 82

"I strongly support Social Security. Its benefits are a lifeline for millions of Americans and helps support them in their retirement.

The Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) were created to ensure equity in the treatment of workers covered by Social Security and those with government pensions not covered by Social Security. The GPO affects Social Security spousal and survivor benefits, and the WEP affects Social Security retirement and disability benefits.

I understand concerns that these provisions are hurting millions of public service retirees including teachers, firefighters, and police officers.

That is why I support reforms, including Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal's proposal, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act that would change how Social Security benefits for public workers in noncovered employment are calculated to mitigate adverse impacts. I also support the GPO and WEP proposals in Rep. John Larson's Social Security 2100 Act. As it came before the House, H.R. 82 would provide an outright repeal of WEP and GPO that the Congressional Budget Office has estimated would worsen Social Security's fiscal outlook.

Over the next ten years, H.R. 82 could deplete Social Security's trust fund by $198 billion. Congress can and must provide a fix without jeopardizing Social Security earnings for those who depend on these vital benefits, including seniors, people with disabilities, and families and widows of deceased workers. I remain committed to working to a fair and prudent solution that strengthens Social Security and ensure that workers can continue to count on Social Security after a lifetime of work."