Bills · HR 227
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 227ReligionSocial security and elderly assistance
Clergy Act
INTRO JAN 7· LAST ACTION APR 28
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
21BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it provides a critical safety net for religious workers who may have made a decision years ago to opt out of Social Security without fully understanding the long-term financial implications. Many clergy members, especially those in roles with fluctuating income or working for smaller congregations, might find themselves without adequate retirement savings, disability insurance, or survivor protection.
If this bill becomes law, it offers a second chance for these individuals to secure a guaranteed stream of income in retirement, provide for their families in case of disability, or offer survivor benefits. Without this bill, those who opted out would remain ineligible for these essential benefits, potentially facing significant financial hardship in their later years. It addresses a real-world issue of financial planning and long-term security for a specific professional group.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners who previously opted out of Social Security to revoke their exemption.
This provides a unique opportunity for a specific group of professionals to gain access to Social Security benefits.
PROVISION 02
Sets a deadline for filing the revocation application as the due date of the federal income tax return for the applicant's second taxable year beginning after December 31, 2028.
This establishes a specific window during which eligible individuals must make this important financial decision.
PROVISION 03
Specifies that if the revocation is effective for a prior taxable year, the applicant must pay all Social Security taxes that would have been owed for that year.
This ensures individuals contribute the required amounts for any past period they are now choosing to be covered by Social Security.
PROVISION 04
Prohibits individuals who revoke their exemption from ever again opting out of Social Security coverage.
This makes the decision to rejoin Social Security a permanent and irreversible commitment.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, to develop a plan to inform eligible individuals about this revocation opportunity.
This ensures that those who are affected are properly notified and aware of this special opportunity.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 21
R· California
YRS IN OFFICE
2
BILLS LED
16
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 57%
DEM 6 REP 15 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
25 EVENTSAPR 28
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
APR 27
Mr. Carey moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
APR 27
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3115-3116)
APR 27
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 227.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 227
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedJan 7, 2025
Last actionApr 28, 2026
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 7, 2025
House BillHR 227ReligionSocial security and elderly assistance
Clergy Act
INTRODUCED JAN 7, 2025· LAST ACTION APR 28, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
21
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
