WALLY HERGER: “What could be more fair than allowing seniors to continue working without losing Social Security benefits? Today we are…”

“What could be more fair than allowing seniors to continue working without losing Social Security benefits? Today we are voting on legislation to end the outdated Social Security earnings limit. Under this legislation, more than 800,000 seniors nationwide will have the opportunity to work without seeing their Social Security benefits reduced. Consider a senior in my district in northern California who is between the ages of 65 and 70 and who earns $20,000 a year to supplement their Social Security benefits. Under current law, this senior will lose $1,000 in Social Security benefits due to the earnings limit. At a time when our U.S. workforce needs the skills seniors have to offer, this disincentive to work makes absolutely no sense. Our seniors deserve the freedom to work without being penalized for it. This legislation before us today is based on the principles of fairness and freedom. Seniors should be treated fairly after paying into Social Security all their lives. They should have the freedom to work without worrying about losing their benefits. Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that this legislation is fiscally responsible. It does not affect the long-term solvency of the Social Security trust fund. I commend the President for supporting our position to end the outdated earnings limit. Mr. Speaker, let us give all our seniors the freedom and the fairness they deserve. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”