Rep. Vince Fong Reintroduces the Clergy Act with Rep. Mike Thompson
Yesterday, Rep. Vince Fong (CA-20) reintroduced the bipartisan Clergy Act with Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04). This bill would enable pastors and other clergy members—many of whom opted out of Social Security in their youth—to opt back into Social Security by establishing a one-time re-enrollment period.
“The faith leaders in our communities dedicate their lives to service and the benefits of others. Through the Clergy Act, we will allow these community servants, who may have opted out earlier in their lives, to have the freedom to choose to re-enroll into Social Security. For all of their dedication to our communities, it is important to give back to faith leaders in a way that allows them to choose their future retirement plans,” said Rep. Fong.
“Faith leaders play a critical role in supporting our communities — offering them the flexibility to opt in to Social Security as they plan for retirement just makes sense. Thank you to Rep. Fong for reintroducing The Clergy Act with me in the 119th Congress,” said Rep. Thompson
“A nation may acknowledge God in many ways. The Clergy Act is an affirmation of support for those who serve God and country in the clergy. I appreciate the labor of Congressman Fong and others to complete the work needed to encourage so many,” said Pastor Paul Chappell, Lancaster Baptist Church.
“The National Association of Evangelicals commends Representatives Fong and Thompson for introducing the bipartisan Clergy Act. This important bill allows clergy who had previously been exempted from Social Security to opt back into the system. This will strengthen Social Security now while providing basic protection for faith leaders when they eventually retire,” said Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals.
“I am grateful to Congressman Fong for reintroducing the Clergy Act. For some pastors who may have mistakenly opted out of Social Security coverage early in their ministries, this bill’s reasonable window to fix that choice is a breath of fresh air. I encourage the House to approve this important legislation,” said Michael Martin, CEO and President of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
Background
Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) previously introduced the Clergy Act in the 118th Congress, and after his retirement, Rep. Fong became the bill’s first sponsor.
Rep. Fong has updated the Clergy Act for the 119th Congress to give clergy members until April 15, 2030, to request that the IRS revoke their exemptions for Social Security coverage.