Kaptur Sponsored Social Security Fairness Act Signed into LawPress ReleaseJobs and the Economy

Washington, DC - Today, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), joined President Biden at the White House for the signing of the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 into law. This bipartisan legislation which the Congresswoman cosponsored and helped pass into law eliminates the harmful Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pensions Offset (GPO). The WEP and GPO reduce or eliminate the earned Social Security benefits of public servants, including police officers, mail carriers, firefighters, and educators. The legislation passed the House on November 12th by a vote of 327 to 75, with 191 Democrats and 136 Republicans voting for its passage. The legislation passed the Senate on December 21st, by a vote of 76 to 20, with 49 Democrats and 27 Republicans voting for its passage.

Currently the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) impacts approximately 2 million Social Security beneficiaries, including over 165,000 Ohioans. The Government Pension Offset (GPO) impacts almost 800,000 retirees across the country. The bill was supported by major workforce organizations, including the National Association of Letter Carriers, National Rural Letter Carriers' Association, The Senior Citizens League, American Federation of Teachers, among others.

"I thank President Biden for signing this bill into law today, and officially righting this wrong to allow millions of retirees access to their hard-earned benefits," said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). "Additionally, I wish to thank Representatives Garret Graves (LA-06) and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) and Senators Sherrod Brown and Susan Collins for their bipartisan leadership and dedication to this issue in Congress. In a time of severe partisanship, I am pleased to note the hundreds of bipartisan co-sponsors of this legislation and overwhelming bipartisan passage of this bill in both chambers. I hope we can use this as an example of collaboration and the success we can find when working to find the Big Middle to help the American people. I look forward to sharing this incredible news with so many hardworking Ohioans who dedicated their lives to public service and public safety. I will never stop fighting to protect and expand Social Security benefits for those who have worked hard throughout their lives for these crucial earned retirement benefits. Every single Ohioan and American should be able to retire in dignity."

Congresswoman Kaptur remains a voice in opposition to cut benefits for retirees and continues to be a staunch advocate to strengthen and protect Social Security for future generations to come. You can find a photo of Congresswoman Kaptur, Congressman Richard Neal (MA-01), Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02), and Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15) from today's White House bill signing by clicking here.

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