Larson Statement on the Ways and Means Markup of H.R. 82
Washington, D.C. - Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (CT-01) released this statement following the Ways and Means Committee markup of the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), legislation that would repeal the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).
“I commend President Biden for including the repeal of WEP and GPO in his proposals and for calling Social Security a ‘Sacred Trust,’” said Larson. “I also commend Representatives Abigail Spanberger (VA-07) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) for their work in bringing this bill forward. While I support the intent of H.R. 82 to repeal WEP and GPO, I offered an amendment today that provides a comprehensive solution which improves the solvency of the Social Security Trust Funds. My amendment contained Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust and included all of President Biden’s proposals. It currently helps 65 million beneficiaries and the 182 million Americans who pay into Social Security. The need for this amendment is underscored by both the global pandemic and global inflation, which hits the elderly the hardest. Congress must not only repeal WEP and GPO but also must update the Cost-of-Living Adjustment, make sure no one can retire into poverty, and provide tax relief for those who continue to work while on Social Security. By moving forward with Social Security 2100, we can provide the improvements beneficiaries need now, ensure the Social Security Trust Funds are protected, and give teachers, police, and firefighters the relief they deserve. It’s time the House does what we are elected to do and vote!”
Rep. Larson offered an amendment to H.R. 82 during consideration of the bill in the Ways and Means Committee. That amendment enhances H.R. 82 with Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust (H.R. 5723), which includes the repeal of WEP and GPO, other benefit improvements, and pays for those provisions by ensuring the wealthy pay their fair share. Rep. Larson withdrew the amendment because it would have not been considered germane.
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