Bill providing higher Social Security payments for Ohians fails

OHIO — A bipartisan effort to increase Social Security benefits for millions of Americans has stalled after Republican lawmakers in the House blocked the bill.

The proposed legislation, introduced by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) and Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), aimed to repeal two provisions that reduce benefits for certain retirees.

The bill had initially garnered broad bipartisan support, with Graves and Spanberger securing the 218 signatures needed to bring the legislation to the House floor.

However, the bill ran into opposition from the conservative House Freedom Caucus, led by Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD). Harris used a procedural move to block the bill, halting its progress.

The move was made with unanimous consent and broke with standard legislative protocol, leaving the bill dormant for now.

The provisions in question—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive pensions from jobs that did not contribute to Social Security.

These cuts can significantly lower monthly payments for retirees, including teachers, police officers, and other public-sector workers.

While the bill’s future remains uncertain, lawmakers could attempt to revive the legislation through a vote under discharge procedures or introduce a new bill to address these issues.