As a CARE member, we have been reporting extensively on the GPO issue (Nov. 1998 Voice) and HR 1217 (July 1999 Voice) over the past months. Currently HR 1217 remains in the Social Security Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee (S 717 in the Senate Finance Committee).

While some could be disheartened by the fact that HR 1217 is still in the subcommittee, there is good news. The number of co-sponsors to the bill has risen to 192 representatives, up sharply from the 143 reported in our July Voice.

This number is significant since the fast-approaching number 218 represents over half of the members of the House of Representatives. "We believe that as the number of co-sponsors continues to increase, HR 1217 will garner more attention from the House Leadership, including the subcommittee chairman, Rep. Clay Shaw (R-Fla)," explained Judy Park, legislative director of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE). NARFE has been the leading national organization on the GPO issue and spearheading CARE’s efforts.

Similar to the Mass Legislature, the US Congress has a two-year session, with year 2000 being the second year of the current session. This means that bills, including HR 1217, will not die at year’s end but carry over through year 2000.

"We expect CARE’s efforts to intensify as the Congress continues its work next year," says Legislative Chairman Bill Hill. "Fortunately, with the two year session, the push towards the magic 218 can proceed unabated."

As we go to press, the following members of the Mass delegation have signed onto HR 1217: Rep. Capuano, Delahunt, Frank, Markey, Meehan, McGovern, Moakley, Olver and Tierney. Senator Kerry has signed onto S 717.

Nothing New On Mandated Coverage

On another Social Security front, there have been no major developments in the Congress on mandatory coverage for newly hired public employees."You could view the inaction favorably at least for now," states Hill.