Bill · H.R. 9296· House(119-HR-9296)
Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/11/2026
- Last activity
- 6/11/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Linda Sánchez
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026 aims to improve retirement security for U.S. families. It changes how taxable wages and self-employment income above the contribution and benefit base are determined starting after 2027. The bill adjusts "bend points" and includes surplus earnings to determine primary insurance amounts. It also creates a Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers to calculate cost-of-living increases. Additionally, the act modifies insurance benefits for widows and widowers in two-income households and protects the eligibility of SSI beneficiaries.
Yes· 3 of 20
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+9
Directly increases primary insurance amounts and tailors COLA to elderly expenditure patterns.
Would retired people be better off under this?+9
Directly improves benefit amounts, cost-of-living adjustments, and survivor benefits.
Does this strengthen Social Security?+9
Increases benefit calculations, improves COLA indexing, and enhances spousal benefits.
The opposite· 3 of 6
Would people with substantial wealth be better off under this?-5
Higher earners face new taxes on income previously exempt from Social Security taxes.
Would the very wealthiest people be better off under this?-5
Higher earners face new taxes on income previously exempt from Social Security taxes.
Would billionaires be better off under this?-5
Higher earners face new taxes on income previously exempt from Social Security taxes.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Insurance Amounts: The bill increases the first bend point factor from 90 percent to 95 percent, which affects the computation of primary insurance amounts (Section 3(a)(1)(A)).
- Benefit Inclusion of Surplus Earnings: It allows for 5 percent of an individual's surplus average indexed monthly earnings to be included in the determination of primary insurance amounts (Section 3(b)(4)).
- Tailored Cost-of-Living Adjustments: The bill mandates the creation of a "Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers" to be used for Social Security cost-of-living increases, focusing on expenditures typical for those at early retirement age (Section 4(a) and Section 5(a)(1)).
- Improved Spousal Benefits: Widows and widowers may receive a benefit equal to 75 percent of the sum of their own benefit and the primary insurance amount of the deceased individual in certain cases (Section 6(a)(1)(B) and 6(a)(2)(B)).
- SSI Protection: It ensures that SSI beneficiaries are held harmless by deeming their title II benefits not to exceed the amount they would have received before the act's enactment (Section 7).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Taxation on Higher Earnings: Starting in 2028, a percentage of wages and self-employment income above the contribution and benefit base will be taxable, starting at 80 percent in 2028 (Section 2(a)(1)(C) and 2(b)(2)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Retirees+9Good For Seniors+9Good For Low Income Households+7Good For Women+6Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Men+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For Union Workers+3Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Middle Aged+2Good For White Americans+2Good For Billionaires-5Good For High Net Worth Individuals-5Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals-5Good For Business Owners-4Good For High Income Households-4Good For Farmers-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Social Security+9Improves Poverty Reduction+4Improves Disability Rights+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Wealthy Taxes+6Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3Reduces National Debt+2
- 7/27/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/11/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Steve CohenDemocrat · Tennessee
Stephen LynchDemocrat · Massachusetts
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine
Janice SchakowskyDemocrat · Illinois
Shri ThanedarDemocrat · Michigan