The four U.S. Representatives from Long Island — Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point), Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue), Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) and Anthony D’Esposito (R-Garden City) — helped pass the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023. The bill, sponsored by Garret Graves (R-Louisiana), passed 327-75.
The bill would eliminate both the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which those who supported it said these two provisions unfairly reduce or eliminate earned Social Security benefits for approximately 2.8 million Americans who’ve devoted much of their careers to public service — including police officers, firefighters, educators, and federal, state, and local government employees.
Currently, the WEP reduces the earned Social Security benefits of an individual who also receives a public pension from a job not covered by Social Security. While the WEP was intended to prevent “windfalls,” in practice, its supporters said it unfairly penalizes public servants who paid into Social Security just like everyone else. This impacts nearly 2 million Social Security beneficiaries.
The GPO reduces the spousal-dependent benefits of individuals who did not pay into Social Security themselves by two-thirds of their government pension. In some cases, this results in individuals receiving no Social Security benefits, even if their spouse paid in their entire working career. Likewise, the GPO affects the spousal benefits of those who work as federal, state, or local government level, reducing their benefits by 67%. This affects 800,000 retirees.
“Social Security is a cornerstone of financial security for millions, and we must protect it from any threats or reductions. I was proud to vote to protect Social Security for millions of hardworking Americans by supporting the Social Security Fairness Act,” said LaLota. “Our seniors and public servants have earned their benefits through a lifetime of work and dedication, and we must ensure that these commitments are upheld. I’ll continue working across the aisle to make sure all Americans receive the benefits they’ve worked hard for and secure a dignified retirement for those who have spent their lives contributing to our communities and our country.”
D’Esposito posted on X, “Americans who’ve paid into Social Security are entitled to their full benefits — period.”