"Strike while the iron is hot, is very apropos when it comes to GPO and WEP relief this year," comments Legislative Chairman Bill Hill. "We're working closely with NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) and the other CARE members during this critical stage in the coalition's efforts."

Further evidence that the Congress feels the heat can be seen in the actions taken by the congressional leadership, namely Congressman Clay Shaw (R-FL), who chairs the House Social Security Subcommittee. It is from this influential subcommittee, that a GPO and WEP relief bill will be reported out.

In December, Chairman Shaw released his own bill (H.R. 3497) for overhauling Social Security. Among his many proposals, is one provision that would reform the GPO law.

Under the current GPO formula, SS spousal benefits of those public retirees, affected by the federal law, are reduced by two-thirds (2/3) of their public pension. Chairman Shaw is proposing that the law be changed so that only one-third (1/3) of their pension offset their SS spousal benefits.

Essentially, this would lessen the GPO's reduction by one-half. According to Bill Hill, "Rep.Shaw's proposal may not help out those with smaller pensions (i.e., $900 monthly) and spousal benefits (i.e., $600 monthly) as much as they would under the bill that we've been supporting for several years (H.R. 664). But it's an important step in the right direction by the leadership in Congress."

H.R. 664, which is also in the Soc. Sec. Subcommittee with H.R. 3497 and the other GPO and WEP relief bills, now has 281 cosponsors (almost 65% of the House). Congressman Barney Frank's bill to provide WEP relief (H.R. 1073) currently has 216 supporters - just 2 short of a majority (218) in the US House of Representatives.