September 27, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 157 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           NOTCH FAIRNESS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 2019

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the need 
to right a wrong caused by Congress in 1972 when Congress amended the 
Social Security Act to adjust the benefits formula to include automatic 
cost-of-living adjustments. Unfortunately, this new formula was flawed; 
it resulted in unexpected windfalls for beneficiaries born before 1917.
   In 1977, Congress corrected the formula, but beneficiaries born 
between 1917 and 1926 received significantly less than those born 
before and after them. Those born during these nine years are referred 
to as ``Notch Babies,'' and Congress has been attempting to offset this 
disparity since 1999.
   That is why I am introducing the Notch Fairness Act, which would 
compensate Notch Babies by providing them with either a one-time 
benefit of $5,000 payable over a period of four years, or monthly 
benefits in accordance with a new formula.
   Madam Speaker, fixing this disparity in benefits would not only make 
a real difference to our seniors who rely on this money as their main 
source of income, but it is the fair thing to do for seniors who were 
shortchanged by Congress. I urge my colleagues to support this 
legislation.

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