Grassley Comments on House Social Security Bill
Today the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill to repeal the Social Security earnings limit on workers ages 65 to 69. Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, is an original co-sponsor of a bill to repeal the earnings limit. That bill is the Social Security Earnings Test Elimination Act of 2000, S. 2074, introduced by Sen. John Ashcroft on Feb. 22. The repeal is also part of the Bipartisan Social Security Reform Act, S. 1383, sponsored by Grassley and Sens. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), John Breaux (D-La.) and Bob Kerrey (D-Neb.). Grassley also has successfully worked to increase the earnings limit to $30,000 by 2002. Grassley made the following comment on today's House vote.
"People are living longer. They want to work longer. The government shouldn't get in the way. Older workers have paid into Social Security their entire careers. They deserve to receive their Social Security benefits and earn income without facing a stiff penalty. Many Iowans have contacted me in frustration over this issue. About 7,400 Iowans ages 65 to 69 lose Social Security benefits each year by continuing to work.
"The House did good work today. I hope the Senate responds in kind. We should repeal the Social Security earnings limit as fast as we can. It doesn't matter to me whether we vote on the House bill or the Senate bill, as long as we get the job done."