FABF Website Admin / Tuesday, December 3, 2024 / Categories: News & Events Social Security Update On November 12th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), which would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) laws that reduce or even eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of public service workers. Now that H.R. 82 has passed the House, the bill moves to the Senate. Unlike the House, where the majority party can move legislation through the body relatively quickly if they have the votes, the Senate gives each Senator unique powers to slow down the legislative process. These powers include the right to offer amendments to legislation, and the right to speak on a bill. Because of this, the Senate must vote to end debate on a bill before it can be finally voted on and passed. This process, known as invoking cloture, requires a 60-vote threshold. The passage of this bill will not impact your pension with the Firemen’s Annuity and Benefit Fund. It may however lead to a reevaluation of Social Security benefits that were earned outside of your employment with the Chicago Fire Department. Members have called the Fund to learn more about the bill and what they can do to have their voices heard. The Fund is happy to pass along the details shared by the IAFF and Local 2 to contact your Senators through the IAFF’s Advocacy Center. If the Senate doesn’t act before the 118th Congress concludes on January 3rd, the progress made with the House repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) will be nullified. Report to Participants Fall Election Results Print 188