[Note: Links and materials referenced in an archived posting may have expired.]

Update! GPO/WEP vote in U.S. House

GPO/WEP Activists:

Thank you for all of your efforts yesterday and today in contacting members of Congress on the GPO/WEP issue.

Unfortunately, on Feb. 11, the House voted 226-197 in support of the motion "on the previous question."

NEA had urged a no vote on the motion in order to permit consideration of an amendment by Rep. Frost (D-TX) that would strip an NEA-opposed provision (to close the so-called "loophole") and add provisions to completely repeal the GPO and WEP.

Because the House approved the motion on the previous question, the Frost amendment will not be allowed to come up for a vote.  We will post additional information on how Members of Congress voted as soon as that information becomes available.

The House is now debating final passage of H.R. 743.  We will let you know the outcome of that vote.

[H.R. 743 includes the NEA-opposed provision (Sec. 418) that would eliminate the option for teachers in Texas and Georgia to protect their Social Security spousal benefits from the Government Pension Offset (GPO) by transferring to a district covered by Social Security for as little as one day (the one-day rule).]

We know the congressional procedures are complicated, but please understand that your efforts are making a real difference.  Today's debate clearly demonstrated that members of Congress are very well aware of the GPO/WEP issue and are under a lot pressure from their constituents (you!) to do something. 

Thank you again for your continued perseverance on this important issue.