URGENT: Ask Your Member of Congress to Sign the Discharge Petition on H.R. 82

There have been some new developments with H.R. 82 (fully repeals the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)). You may recall from our last update that it is now up to House Leadership to decide whether to introduce the bill to the full House for consideration. The bill is also in a position that the House could debate and make amendments to the bill rather than voting on it as is. Although we still advocate for a full repeal, we could see amendments introduced for a partial repeal that would increase the bill’s likelihood for passage if House leaders decide to introduce the bill. This is due to the high costs associated with the full repeal (estimated at over $169 billion over the first ten-year period). 

During a press conference on September 22, Rep. Rodney Davis-IL (author of H.R. 82) along with Rep. Garret Graves-LA and Rep. Julia Letlow-LA announced H. Resolution 1367 was introduced to file a Discharge Petition. The resolution creates a special rule to trigger a vote on H.R. 82. Members of Congress must be present on the floor tomorrow, September 30 to sign the petition.

This is may be our last shot at a floor vote for H.R. 82 without depending on House Leadership.

We need 218 members of the House to sign the petition. After the petition reaches 218 signatures, there are other parliamentary rules and processes that must be followed before the bill can go to a floor vote.

Again, this may be our last shot at getting a floor vote on the bill before the end of this Congressional session. 

Click here to ask your member of Congress to sign the discharge petition on H.R. 82 NOW!

Or, use this tool to find your member of Congress and simply copy and paste the email message below:

EMAIL SCRIPT

On Friday, September 30, the sponsor of H.R. 82, Congressman Rodney Davis, will file a Discharge Petition for the bill to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

I urge you to sign the Discharge Petition to support the passing of H.R. 82 because I am a victim of the WEP and GPO, which reduces my rightfully earned Social Security benefits and those of 2.7 million retired Americans.

The WEP & GPO have been so hurtful to my financial status during retirement. Signing the petition will show that you are willing to act for me at this critical time.

Again, I urge you of the critical need to sign the Discharge Petition, and the only way to do so is to be present on the Floor.

Keep in mind, the bill would still have to go through the Senate if it passes the House. It is a long road ahead, but this is the most action we have seen on a bill regarding the repeal of the GPO and WEP. We want to keep the momentum and the conversations going.

We apologize for the late notification. This is a dynamic situation, and we are trying to interpret as much information as we can while still keeping members informed. We will continue to keep members updated on the status of H.R. 82, should it come to a floor vote, and other legislation aimed at repealing the GPO and WEP. 

Regards,
Rodney R. Watson
LRTA Executive Director