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Congressional Proposal Aims to Allow Seniors to Earn More Without Social Security Penalties

Congressional Proposal Aims to Allow Seniors to Earn More Without Social Security Penalties

A new legislative proposal in Congress, backed by Republicans, seeks to allow seniors to earn more money from work without facing reductions in their Social Security benefits. The Senior Citizens’ Freedom to Work Act, introduced by Representative Greg Murphy and supported by Senator Rick Scott, aims to eliminate the retirement earnings test, which currently reduces benefits for seniors who earn above a certain threshold before reaching full retirement age. The proposal addresses concerns that the existing rule discourages seniors from working and complicates their ability to access benefits they have paid into throughout their careers.
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Why the 1863 Habeas Act Still Matters

Why the 1863 Habeas Act Still Matters

The Habeas Corpus Suspension Act of 1863 was a landmark piece of legislation that authorized the president to suspend the writ of habeas corpus dur...
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Why Social Security Faced Fierce Resistance

Why Social Security Faced Fierce Resistance

The introduction of the Social Security program in the United States was met with both support and opposition. As a groundbreaking initiative, it f...
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Best Retirement Income Strategies for 2026: Secure Your Golden Years

Best Retirement Income Strategies for 2026: Secure Your Golden Years

Reaching your golden years should bring peace of mind, not financial anxiety. But for many Americans, figuring out how to generate consistent income in retirement feels like solving a complex puzzle. With inflation concerns and evolving market conditions, planning for 2026 requires smart, adaptable strategies. This guide breaks down the most effective approaches to turn your savings into reliable income. We'll explore everything from optimizing Social Security to leveraging diversified investments and understanding tax-efficient withdrawals. Your goal is a steady cash flow that supports the lifestyle you've earned.
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US Congress Republicans push legislation to build, fund Trump's $400 million ballroom

US Congress Republicans push legislation to build, fund Trump's $400 million ballroom

By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON, April 27 (Reuters) - Two days after a shooting at a dinner that President Donald Trump was attending, Republicans in the U.S. Congress were pushing for legislation to fund and speed construction of a White House ballroom, citing increased security concerns. 
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Donald Riegle, Longtime Michigan Congressman, Dies at 88

Donald Riegle, Longtime Michigan Congressman, Dies at 88

Donald Riegle, who served Michigan in Congress for nearly 30 years, has died at the age of 88. Riegle began his political career as a Republican before switching to the Democratic Party, serving in both the House and Senate. He was known for his opposition to NAFTA and his role in financial reforms during the savings and loan crisis. Riegle's career was marked by his advocacy for economic development and healthcare expansion in Michigan.
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Social Security Administration Schedules Payments of Up to $5,181 for May 2026

Social Security Administration Schedules Payments of Up to $5,181 for May 2026

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to distribute monthly benefits to millions of Americans this week. These payments are crucial for over 70 million people who rely on Social Security for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. The SSA issues payments on a staggered schedule to manage the large volume of recipients. This week, payments will be made to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and some older retirement benefit recipients. SSI is designed to assist older Americans, as well as individuals who are blind or living with disabilities, in covering basic expenses such as housing, food, and clothing. Payments are scheduled for May 1, with further distributions planned throughout the month for different groups based on birth dates. The amount of Social Security benefits varies significantly depending on factors such as lifetime income and the age at which benefits are claimed.
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Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Continues Medical Absence, Impacting Congressional Votes

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. Continues Medical Absence, Impacting Congressional Votes

Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) has been absent from Congress for over a month due to an unspecified medical issue. Since March 17, Kean has missed more than 50 roll-call votes, a significant deviation from his previously near-perfect attendance record. Despite the absence, Kean's office has remained operational, handling legislative and constituent services. Kean recently issued a statement expressing gratitude for the patience of his constituents and colleagues, and assured that his doctors anticipate a complete recovery. The absence has drawn attention from national media, and even House Speaker Mike Johnson has commented on the situation, having spoken with Kean personally. Kean's absence is particularly impactful given the narrow margins in Congress, where his vote could be crucial for upcoming legislation, including a key surveillance law reauthorization and a budget resolution for DHS funding.
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Congressman Tom Kean Jr. Continues Medical Absence Amid Critical Votes

Congressman Tom Kean Jr. Continues Medical Absence Amid Critical Votes

Representative Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey has been absent from Congress for over a month due to an unspecified medical issue. Despite missing more than 50 roll-call votes, Kean's office assures that he is expected to make a full recovery. His absence is notable given his previously near-perfect attendance record. The situation has drawn national attention, with House Speaker Mike Johnson confirming personal communication with Kean. The congressman's legislative and constituent services remain active, but his absence is felt in a narrowly divided Congress where every vote counts. Upcoming votes on significant legislation, including a key surveillance law and a budget resolution, highlight the impact of his absence.
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New Proposal to Cap Social Security Benefits Aims to Address Funding Shortfall

New Proposal to Cap Social Security Benefits Aims to Address Funding Shortfall

A new proposal has been introduced to address the financial challenges facing the Social Security program. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget suggests implementing a 'six-figure limit' on Social Security benefits, which could potentially resolve about one-fifth of the program's cash shortfall. This proposal would cap the total benefit for a couple retiring at full retirement age at $100,000, while individuals could receive a maximum of $50,000 per year. This measure is designed to affect only the highest earners, as the average benefit for retired workers is currently just under $25,000 per year. The Social Security Administration has been using its trust funds to cover the gap between income and payouts, but these funds are projected to be depleted by 2034. Without intervention, the program's income sources are expected to cover only 81% of future benefits, potentially leading to a 20% reduction in monthly checks.
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Congress Considers New Legislation to Reform Veterans' Benefits Amid Systemic Challenges

Congress Considers New Legislation to Reform Veterans' Benefits Amid Systemic Challenges

Congress is currently evaluating a comprehensive set of legislative proposals aimed at reforming the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Over 20 bills are under review by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, with additional measures being considered in the House. These proposals address various issues, including long wait times for care, outdated benefit rules, and staffing shortages within the VA. Key bills include the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, which seeks to expand compensation for surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS, and the Veterans Benefits Appeals Modernization, which aims to streamline the appeals process for veterans. The legislative push is driven by bipartisan concerns over the current state of veterans' services.
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Congress Considers New Legislation to Reform VA Benefits for Millions of Veterans

Congress Considers New Legislation to Reform VA Benefits for Millions of Veterans

Congress is currently evaluating a comprehensive set of legislative proposals aimed at reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system, which could significantly impact how millions of U.S. veterans access healthcare and disability benefits. Over 20 bills are under review by the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, with additional measures being considered in the House. These legislative efforts are driven by concerns over long wait times for care, outdated benefit rules, and staffing shortages within the VA. Key proposals include the Justice for ALS Veterans Act, which seeks to expand compensation for surviving spouses of veterans who die from ALS, and the Veterans Benefits Appeals Modernization, which aims to streamline the appeals process for veterans. Other notable bills focus on improving access to specialty care for women veterans and establishing a national tele-screening mammography program.