LaTurner Joins Cole to Introduce the Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act

Statement

Congressman Jake LaTurner (KS-02) joined Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) to introduce H.R. 6581, the Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2022. This legislation takes much-needed action to address the long-term solvency of Social Security:

"Hard-working Kansans contribute to Social Security for the entirety of their working lives with the understanding that they will be able to rely on these benefits in the future," said Congressman LaTurner. "Unfortunately, Social Security is in grave danger and if we don't take action, the program will soon lack the funding required to pay retirees their full benefits. I am proud to join Rep. Cole in introducing this legislation that focuses on commonsense solutions to modernize Social Security and ensure Americans receive the benefits they have rightfully earned for decades to come."

According to the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees 2021 Annual Report, absent policy changes, Social Security's combined trust funds will be exhausted in 2034. Modeled after the 1983 Social Security Commission, the Social Security Commission Act of 2022 would create a bicameral and bipartisan commission, chaired by a presidential appointee, to ensure that Social Security is fully funded for generations to come.

Specifically, the legislation would provide for the following:

A 13-member commission, the Commission on Long Term Social Security Solvency, with 12 members appointed by leadership from both parties in the House and Senate (three appointees from each party's leader in each chamber). Two of the congressional appointees must be non-elected experts.
The commission is chaired by the 13th appointee, named by the president. The president's appointee means that the president's party would appoint seven members, the other party appointing six.
Within one year of its first meeting, the commission must report to Congress on the 75-year health of Social Security and provide recommendations for how to ensure the solvency of the program.
The commission's report must have a minimum of nine votes, guaranteeing bipartisan consensus.
The legislation based on the commission's plan would then receive expedited consideration in Congress for an up or down vote.

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