Washington, DC - Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, was among those who spoke at a rally on the U.S. Capitol grounds to demand that the Senate vote on H.R. 82, the “Social Security Fairness Act.” He was joined by the leaders of the International Association of Fire Fighters and other public sector unions representing public employees who are negatively impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) in current law.

The legislation, which would repeal the WEP and GPO, passed the House last month on an overwhelming 327-75 vote. The Senate version of the bill has 60 cosponsors.

“I hope that the Senate hears our message loud and clear today,” Yoes said. “The passage of the Social Security Fairness Act is long overdue. For 40 years, the trust fund has been balanced on the backs of our public servants. It is time for this injustice to end.”

The WEP affects workers who spent time in jobs not covered by Social Security and who also worked other jobs where they paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify for the benefits. Like the WEP, the GPO may reduce the benefit received by surviving spouses if these spouses also receive a surviving spousal benefit from a public pension.

“Given the level of support for H.R. 82 in both chambers, it would be unconscionable for this bill to not receive an up and down vote in the Senate now—in this Congress. The House has done their work and now the Senate must finish the job,” Yoes said. “The numerous union leaders, Senators, Representatives, and affected individuals who assembled outside the Capitol today deserve at least that!”