Summary of HR 2999: Amendment to the Social Security Act

Purpose and Intent

HR 2999 aims to amend Title II of the Social Security Act to limit the amount that can be withheld from monthly Social Security benefits due to overpayments. The bill seeks to alleviate financial strain on beneficiaries by capping the withholding at 10% of their monthly benefit amount.

Key Provisions

• Amendment to Withholding Policy: The bill proposes to amend subparagraph (A) of section 204(a)(1) of the Social Security Act. Specifically, it will change the current policy regarding overpayment withholdings.
• Effective Date: The amendments will take effect on the date of enactment and will apply to overpayments that are outstanding on or after that date.

Impact

• Beneficiaries: This legislation is expected to benefit Social Security recipients who may have experienced overpayments. By capping the withholding at 10%, beneficiaries will retain a larger portion of their monthly benefits, which can be crucial for those relying on Social Security for their livelihood.
• Financial Relief: The bill aims to provide financial relief to individuals who may be struggling with the current withholding practices, which can significantly reduce their monthly income.

Legislative Process

• Introduced: The bill was introduced in the House on April 24, 2025.
• Committee Referral: Following its introduction, HR 2999 was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration.

Sponsors

HR 2999 has garnered support from a diverse group of cosponsors, including:
- Dwight Evans (Primary Sponsor)
- Gwen Moore
- Christopher R. Deluzio
- Lloyd Doggett
- Yassamin Ansari
- Sylvia R. Garcia
- Paul Tonko
- Maxine Dexter
- Rosa L. DeLauro
- Delia C. Ramirez
- Scott H. Peters
- Suhas Subramanyam
- Thomas R. Suozzi
- John B. Larson
- Mary Gay Scanlon
- Mark Pocan
- Dina Titus
- Nanette Diaz Barragán
- Lois Frankel
- Eleanor Holmes Norton
- Pramila Jayapal
- Chellie Pingree
- Judy Chu
- Danny K. Davis
- Linda T. Sánchez
- Lizzie Fletcher
- Sanford D. Bishop
- Shri Thanedar
- Brendan F. Boyle
- Rashida Tlaib
- Terri A. Sewell

Conclusion

HR 2999 represents a significant effort to reform the way overpayments are handled within the Social Security system, aiming to protect beneficiaries from excessive withholding of their benefits. The bill's introduction reflects ongoing discussions about the need for reforms that prioritize the financial well-being of Social Security recipients.