Hill Country Chronicle

On Tuesday, Representative Chip Roy from Texas issued a statement regarding his votes on two significant bills related to Social Security: H.R. 5342 and H.R. 82.

Rep. Roy expressed support for H.R. 5342, stating, "Today, I voted for H.R. 5342, which would have responsibly fixed the issues stemming from Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)." He emphasized that many public servants such as police officers, firefighters, and teachers have experienced reduced Social Security benefits due to the WEP despite contributing to the system through other employment.

H.R. 5342 aims to address these concerns by replacing the existing WEP with a new benefit formula and providing monthly rebates to current beneficiaries affected by the WEP. Rep. Roy highlighted his long-standing support for this bill since joining Congress in 2019.

Conversely, Rep. Roy opposed H.R. 82, which proposes eliminating both the WEP and Government Pension Offset entirely. He argued that this could lead to an unfair advantage for some retirees already covered by government pensions at the expense of others. According to Rep. Roy, "The Congressional Budget Office estimates H.R. 82 would cost taxpayers a whopping $200 billion and will accelerate Social Security’s insolvency – threatening benefits for every American currently paying into the system and those currently receiving benefits."

He further stressed the importance of making informed decisions regarding Social Security amidst rising national debt and potential insolvency risks by 2033: "This question forces us to face some difficult and unavoidable realities... If we want this program to be there – if we want our country to be there – for future generations, we need to make choices that do right by people with what they have earned."

Rep. Roy concluded by reaffirming Congress's responsibility in safeguarding Social Security benefits now and in the future: "That is why Congress has a duty to responsibly and fairly protect Social Security benefits for all Americans both today and tomorrow."