Pascrell Supports Legislation to Fix Social Security WEP Provision, Improve Public Employees' Retirement Security

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09), New Jersey's only member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, praised the reintroduction of the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021, legislation to fix the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) for future retirees and provide meaningful relief to current WEP retirees. The bill ensures that public servants across the nation can retire with the security and dignity they deserve.

"Millions of retired first responders, teachers, and other public employees have suffered unduly under the current WEP. With our legislation, we are seeking to right this wrong and ensure public servants receive the retirement security they deserve," said Rep. Pascrell, an original cosponsor of the bill who chairs the House Law Enforcement Caucus and House Fire Services Caucus. "I commend Chairman Neal for his steadfast efforts on behalf of this bill. We began this fight last year and plan to fight twice as hard to see this bill enacted into law."

The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 establishes a new and fairer formula that will provide Social Security benefits in proportion to the share of a worker's earnings that were covered for Social Security purposes. This provision is coupled with a benefit guarantee ensuring no benefit cuts relative to current law for all current and future retirees. Current WEP retirees will receive $150 a month in relief payments. Rep. Pascrell was an original sponsor of this legislation in the 116th Congress and has a long history of supporting repealing the WEP and advocating for public safety organizations within the Ways and Means Committee.

This legislation has been endorsed by: Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Union of Police Associations (IUPA), National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE), National Association of Retired ASCS/FSA Office Employees (RASCOE), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (NCPSSM), National Conference of State Social Security Administrators (NCSSSA), National Education Association (NEA), National Sheriffs' Association (NSA), Public Retirees Alliance, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Social Security Works, United Postmasters and Managers of America (UPMA).

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