Clergy Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Clergy Act.

First, I thank my colleague Mr. Fong for his partnership on this issue. This is how the legislative process should work: Democrats and Republicans coming together to solve real problems for our constituents.

For nearly 90 years, Social Security has done exactly what it has promised: protected workers, retirees, and people with disabilities; and kept families out of poverty.

Since it works, our responsibility is pretty simple: to make it easier and not harder for Americans to access and benefit from the Social Security program.

Under current law, members of the clergy can opt out of paying Social Security if they choose not to receive benefits. The Clergy Act provides a 2-year window for clergy members to opt back in, to contribute, and to secure the earned benefits that they may have previously foregone.

Clergy serve as pillars of their communities, offering guidance and support in moments that matter the most. This bill ensures that they will have the opportunity to participate fully in a system that has strengthened generations of American families.

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Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, if we are serious about strengthening Social Security, we can't stop at incremental fixes. We must also protect the program from efforts that would weaken this great program.

We have heard calls for so-called reforms or tough choices. Let's be clear about what that means: cutting benefits, raising retirement age, or moving toward privatization--steps that undermine the guaranteed security Americans rely on.

Democrats reject that approach. We believe Social Security is a promise, not a bargaining chip.

Today, we have an opportunity to do something constructive. The Clergy Act is a practical, bipartisan step that expands access to Social Security and strengthens retirement security for those who serve our communities every day.

We can choose to build on what works, or we can risk it. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Let's build on what works.

I want to thank Congressman Fong, who has been a great partner in this effort. This is important legislation. It will help the people that we represent and the people that our colleagues represent across this country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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