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Clergy who left Social Security could get a one-time chance to rejoin

Passed both chambersH.R. 227Latest action

Sponsor: Vince Fong · Representative · CA

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
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Official title: Clergy Act

119th Congress

Topics: Family & community

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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HR 227 would open a one-time window for exempt clergy to rejoin Social Security, with a filing deadline tied to their 2029 tax return.

45-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

HR 227 would create a one-time window allowing clergy who previously opted out of Social Security to rejoin the system. To do so, they would need to file paperwork with the IRS by a deadline tied to their 2029 tax return. If they opt back in, they would pay Social Security taxes going forward and could eventually collect retirement benefits.

Who does it affect?

The bill applies to ordained ministers, licensed clergy, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners who previously chose to be exempt from Social Security. It does not change rules for any other workers or the general public.

Why does it matter?

Under current law, clergy who opted out have no legal path to reverse that decision. If this bill passes, rejoining would also be permanent — those who opt back in could not apply for the exemption again later.

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  1. IntroducedJan 7, 2025
  2. House committee
  3. House vote
  4. Senate
  5. The president's deskYou are here · Sep 30, 2026

Right now: both chambers have passed it. It goes to the president next.

Latest action: — Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5298)

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. House · · Roll call 139

    As recorded

    Question
    On Motion to and Pass, as Amended
    Result:
    Passed
    350
    Nay
    5
    0
    74

    Republicans 166 yes, 4 no, 46 not voting · Democrats 183 yes, 1 no, 28 not voting · Independent 1 yes

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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