Sorensen Helps Pass Bipartisan Bill to Expand Access to Social Security Benefits

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) voted to pass the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which expands Social Security benefits to workers, spouses, and others with eligible pensions. Sorensen is a vocal supporter of this legislation. 

“Social Security is a sacred promise to more than 100,000 of my neighbors in Central and Northwestern Illinois who benefit from this important program,” said Sorensen. “Our communities have worked for decades to get these benefits, and it is long past time we expand access to Social Security and put more money into the pockets of those who have earned it. I am proud to have helped pass this bipartisan bill through the House to show the people we serve that we respect their labor and hard work. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill and get it to the president’s desk for his signature.” 

The Social Security Fairness Act: 

1. Repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for those who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. 
2. Eliminates the government pension offset (GPO), which can reduce Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions. 
3. Eliminates the windfall elimination provision, which can reduce Social Security benefits for those who receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. 

The Social Security Fairness Act overwhelmingly passed the house by a vote of 327 to 75. The bill will be sent to the Senate for further consideration. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

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