hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Ends limits on how much Social Security recipients can earn.
Mr. Murphy, Ms. Van Duyne, Ms. Tenney, Mr. Smucker, Mrs. Harshbarger.
Introduced in House, referred to committee.
This bill proposes to eliminate the 'retirement earnings test' which reduces Social Security benefits for people who earn over a certain amount while receiving benefits. It was introduced by Representative Murphy and four co-sponsors and has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee for review. Being introduced means it's the first step in a long process to potentially become law.
Introduced Apr 16, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 16, 2026, and sent to the Committee on Ways and Means. For it to advance, the committee must review and approve it. If it passes the committee, it could then be voted on by the full House. If passed there, it would move to the Senate, and eventually to the President to be signed into law.
If this bill becomes law, seniors who receive Social Security retirement benefits would no longer have their benefits reduced if they continue to work and earn income above current limits. The same change would apply to those receiving Railroad Retirement benefits. It would also make various technical adjustments to other parts of Social Security law, like how certain child's insurance benefits or disability benefits are calculated, to reflect the removal of the earnings test. These changes would apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2026.
Supporters Say
Supporters often argue this encourages seniors to work, boosts the economy, and removes a penalty for productivity.
Critics Say
Critics might raise concerns about the Social Security trust fund's stability or whether it unfairly benefits wealthier seniors.
Those in favor believe that the current earnings test punishes seniors for continuing to work, discouraging them from contributing their skills and experience. They suggest its repeal could help address labor shortages and give seniors more financial flexibility. Opponents, however, sometimes argue that removing the earnings test could strain the Social Security system's finances or primarily benefit higher-income individuals who are already less reliant on their benefits.