Bills of Congress May 20, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.R.3517 - Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.3517, the Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act of 2025, proposes several amendments to the Social Security Act. These include increasing the special minimum benefit for lifetime low earners, establishing increased benefits for long-term beneficiaries, and extending child's benefits for full-time post-secondary students under age 26. The bill also adjusts the determination of taxable wages and self-employment income above the contribution and benefit base and introduces a new bend point for amounts above this base.

Expected Effects

The bill aims to bolster Social Security benefits for specific groups, particularly low-income earners, long-term beneficiaries, and students. It also seeks to address the long-term solvency of the Social Security system through adjustments to taxable wages and benefit calculations. These changes will affect both current and future Social Security recipients and taxpayers.

Potential Benefits 4/5

- Increased benefits for lifetime low earners, providing a safety net for those with limited work history.
- Enhanced benefits for long-term beneficiaries, recognizing their sustained contributions to the system.
- Extended child's benefits for post-secondary students, supporting educational attainment up to age 26.
- Gradual reduction of taxable wages and self-employment income above the contribution and benefit base, potentially incentivizing higher earners.
- Adjustments to the benefit calculation formula to ensure long-term sustainability.

Most Benefited Areas:

Social Equity & Poverty Reduction ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Public Health & Healthcare Access ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Education & Skill Development ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Potential Disadvantages

- Increased employment tax rate, which could reduce take-home pay for workers and increase costs for employers.
- Potential complexity in the calculation of benefits due to the introduction of new bend points and applicable percentages.
- The gradual reduction of taxable wages above the contribution and benefit base may disproportionately affect higher-income individuals.
- The long-term effects on the Social Security system's solvency are uncertain and depend on various economic factors.
- Some provisions may create unintended consequences or require further legislative adjustments.

Constitutional Alignment 4/5

The bill aligns with the Constitution's mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1). The bill's provisions relating to Social Security fall under Congress's authority to enact laws related to social welfare programs.