Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has announced the passage of his bill to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The Social Security Fairness Act was approved by a Senate vote of 76 to 20 and will now proceed to the president's desk for signing into law.

"Today is a day to celebrate! State and local workers in Louisiana deserve the full Social Security benefits they’ve earned. Now they will get it," said Dr. Cassidy. "This was a long overdue step. Now we must save Social Security from insolvency in nine years for every American."

The WEP, enacted in 1983, reduces Social Security benefits for workers with pensions from federal, state, or local government employment not covered by Social Security. The GPO, enacted in 1977, reduces spousal benefits for those whose spouses receive similar pensions. These provisions affect nearly 3 million Americans, including teachers and police officers.

Cassidy addressed the Senate floor before the final vote on the bill and also spoke earlier during procedural votes.

Cassidy has been an advocate for repealing WEP and GPO as part of his initiative to strengthen America's retirement system. He has been involved with this legislation since becoming a Member of Congress in 2009 and led its introduction in previous Congress sessions.

He has worked with a bipartisan group to protect Social Security and engaged with various platforms such as AARP and the Bipartisan Policy Committee to discuss future plans for Social Security.

In March, Cassidy questioned U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen about President Biden’s strategy on Social Security, where Secretary Yellen stated that "the president doesn’t have a plan" to address the issue.

Cassidy's efforts include public discussions and published opinions on securing Social Security's future.