Rep. Sykes Votes for the Social Security Fairness Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) voted in favor of the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a bipartisan majority. Earlier this year, Rep. Sykes signed a discharge petition to bring H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act, to the House Floor for a vote. The Social Security Fairness Act would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from the Social Security Act. Currently, public service employees are unable to receive their full Social Security benefits if they also receive other forms of retirement benefits, such as a pension.
“I’ve heard from countless constituents who are frustrated they can’t receive the full Social Security benefits they’ve rightfully earned after dedicated careers in public service. That’s why I was proud to sign the discharge position to bring the Social Security Fairness Act to the floor and to vote in favor of it. This bill will ensure teachers, firefighters, and other public service employees can receive the full benefits they’ve earned. I’ll keep fighting to protect and expand Social Security benefits for the people of Ohio’s 13th Congressional District,” said Rep. Sykes.
A discharge petition is a procedural tool that allows Members of Congress to bring a bill or resolution to the House Floor for consideration even if the measure has not been reported by committee or is not supported by the majority party leadership. A discharge petition requires 218 signatures – a majority of the House – in order to successfully move a bill to the House Floor for a vote. A discharge petition for the Social Security Fairness Act received 218 signatures and is cosponsored by 330 Members of Congress.