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Congressman Brendan Boyle Co-Sponsors Bill to Apply Social Security Payroll Tax to Incomes Above $400,000

Congressman Brendan Boyle Co-Sponsors Bill to Apply Social Security Payroll Tax to Incomes Above $400,000

Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) has co-sponsored a bill with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) that proposes to apply the Social Security payroll tax to incomes above $400,000. This legislative effort is part of a broader discussion in Congress about ensuring the long-term solvency of Social Security. Currently, the payroll tax that funds Social Security applies to a maximum of $184,500 in income, meaning that individuals earning above this threshold do not pay Social Security taxes on their entire income. The proposed bill aims to increase contributions from high-income earners to the Social Security trust fund. This initiative is distinct from other proposals, such as those from Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) to lift the cap entirely, or from Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) to lift the cap above $250,000 and include capital gains and dividends.

Lawmakers Propose Lifting Payroll Tax Cap to Prevent Social Security Benefit Cuts

Lawmakers Propose Lifting Payroll Tax Cap to Prevent Social Security Benefit Cuts

Lawmakers are actively discussing proposals to prevent a projected 22% cut in Social Security benefits, which is anticipated to begin in six years. A key proposal, championed by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), involves lifting the current cap on the Social Security payroll tax. This cap presently applies to income up to $184,500. The senators argue that removing this limit would ensure that wealthier individuals contribute the same percentage of their income to Social Security as the majority of the population. Another initiative, led by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Representative Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), seeks to increase taxes on high earners' investment gains. These legislative efforts are aimed at enhancing the long-term solvency of the Social Security program and averting future reductions in benefits for millions of Americans. The bipartisan nature of some of these proposals highlights a growing recognition of the urgency to address the program's financial outlook.

Congress Urged to Cosponsor H.R. 7361 to Exempt Restored Social Security Benefits from Federal Taxes

Congress Urged to Cosponsor H.R. 7361 to Exempt Restored Social Security Benefits from Federal Taxes

Retirees are being called upon to contact their congressional representatives to urge cosponsorship of H.R. 7361, the 'No Tax on Restored Benefits Act.' This bill, introduced by Congressman Lance Gooden of Texas, aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude certain Social Security benefits, restored under the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023, from gross income. The initiative highlights the financial burden faced by many retired educators and public servants who, after years or decades of delayed or reduced Social Security benefits, are now receiving lump-sum payments. Without this legislation, these restored benefits could be subject to federal income taxes, diminishing the relief intended for these individuals who often live on fixed incomes. The call to action emphasizes the urgency of the matter, encouraging retirees to send letters to nine specific representatives to garner support for the bill's advancement.

Congressman Brendan Boyle Co-Sponsors Bipartisan American Mariner Tax Fairness Act to Bolster U.S. Maritime Workforce

Congressman Brendan Boyle Co-Sponsors Bipartisan American Mariner Tax Fairness Act to Bolster U.S. Maritime Workforce

Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA-2), alongside Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), has co-introduced the bipartisan American Mariner Tax Fairness Act. This legislation aims to strengthen the U.S. merchant mariner workforce by providing targeted tax relief to qualifying U.S. mariners. The bill specifically targets mariners serving aboard U.S.-flag vessels in international trade. The proposed tax relief involves extending the existing foreign earned income exclusion to these mariners, provided they spend at least 90 days within a 12-month period working on such vessels. This exclusion would apply only to income earned during these qualifying periods of service. The initiative comes as the U.S.-flag deep-sea fleet has significantly declined, from approximately 1,100 oceangoing vessels in 1950 to fewer than 200 today, leading to a shrinking pool of credentialed mariners and challenges in recruitment and retention.

U.S. Lawmakers Propose National and AI Sovereign Wealth Funds Amidst Global Trends

U.S. Lawmakers Propose National and AI Sovereign Wealth Funds Amidst Global Trends

U.S. political figures are actively exploring the creation of sovereign wealth funds, a government investment strategy utilizing surplus revenues for development and increased returns. Senator Bernie Sanders has proposed an AI sovereign wealth fund, which would tax shares of artificial intelligence companies to provide an annual cash dividend to Americans. Legislation to this effect has been introduced. Concurrently, President Trump signed an executive order in February 2025 directing the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce to investigate establishing a national sovereign wealth fund. This national fund aims to promote the long-term financial health and international leadership of the United States. While sovereign wealth funds are typically launched by countries, provinces, or states, with examples like Alaska's fund (started in 1976 with mineral and oil royalties) and Texas's Economic Stabilization Fund, no U.S. cities currently operate such funds. This exploration by U.S. lawmakers c...

U.S. Military Conducts Lethal Strike Against Suspected Drug Trafficking Vessel in Caribbean, Killing Four 'Narco-Terrorists'

U.S. Military Conducts Lethal Strike Against Suspected Drug Trafficking Vessel in Caribbean, Killing Four 'Narco-Terrorists'

The U.S. military's Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced that Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere conducted a lethal strike against a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean. This operation resulted in the deaths of four individuals described as 'narco-terrorists.' This action is part of Washington's ongoing campaign against cartel networks. Separately, General Francis L. Donovan, head of SOUTHCOM, visited Bogota to meet with Colombia's new military leaders to discuss joint efforts to combat narco-terrorists and strengthen the U.S.-Colombia security partnership. Colombia's new right-wing President Abelardo de la Espriella, an ally of President Trump, took office on August 7 with promises to crack down on cocaine-smuggling guerrilla factions with U.S. support. Colombia has since authorized joint military operations with the United States against drug traffickers, and Washington plans to allocate $1 billion toward Colombia's security. The U.S. administration has informed Congress that it is engag...

Representatives Steube and Boyle Propose HUSTLE Act for Student-Athlete Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Representatives Steube and Boyle Propose HUSTLE Act for Student-Athlete Tax-Advantaged Accounts

Representatives Steube and Boyle Propose HUSTLE Act for Student-Athlete Tax-Advantaged Accounts

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer Rejects Canadian Retaliation, Warns of Potential Import Bans

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer Rejects Canadian Retaliation, Warns of Potential Import Bans

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has stated that the Trump administration will not tolerate further retaliatory measures from Canada following Ottawa's introduction of dollar-for-dollar tariffs. In an interview with CBC News, Greer asserted that the U.S. would not "just sit down and take" additional retaliation and would pursue its trade policy in a manner that best serves American interests. Greer also indicated that the U.S. might consider banning certain Canadian goods, describing this as an extreme measure not previously undertaken. He disputed Canada's claims that last-minute U.S. changes led to the collapse of trade talks, arguing that Canada's subsequent requests were excessive for the United States. Greer emphasized that the U.S. aims to re-industrialize after experiencing significant job losses and factory closures over the past 25 years due to globalization. He also clarified that the U.S. views steel, aluminum, and autos as national security measures, which fall within the exclusions of ...

US officials weigh plan to shield farmers from expansion of refinery biofuel waivers, sources say

US officials weigh plan to shield farmers from expansion of refinery biofuel waivers, sources say

By Jarrett Renshaw Aug 27 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump and top U.S. officials discussed on Wednesday a plan to shield the Farm Belt from an expected expansion of waivers of biofuel laws, which his administration is considering as a way to lower gasoline prices during the Iran war, two people

Poll Reveals Unpopularity of President Trump and Robert Kennedy Jr.'s Vaccine Policies Amidst Public Health Concerns

Poll Reveals Unpopularity of President Trump and Robert Kennedy Jr.'s Vaccine Policies Amidst Public Health Concerns

Recent polling indicates significant public opposition to President Trump's and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine policies. A substantial 71% of Americans oppose President Trump changing vaccine schedules, with a strong preference for doctors and scientists to make decisions regarding childhood vaccines. The polling also shows that 53% of voters view Republicans in Congress less favorably, and 44% much less so, when policies are tied to debunked allegations about vaccines causing autism. Furthermore, 51% feel less favorable towards Republicans upon hearing that a recent order dismantled 30 years of vaccine practice. This sentiment persists despite the polling sample including a significant number of President Trump and Kamala Harris supporters. Representative Anna Paulina Luna recently appeared at an event in Clearwater with Robert Kennedy Jr., further associating her with these unpopular policies.

President Trump Issues Executive Order to Secure U.S. Energy Grid from Foreign Equipment Risks

President Trump Issues Executive Order to Secure U.S. Energy Grid from Foreign Equipment Risks

On August 26, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency to protect the U.S. bulk-power system from foreign-produced electrical equipment. This order specifically targets components such as transformers, generators, inverters, and associated software that could potentially contain hidden communication devices or unauthorized remote access pathways. The executive order is a response to national security concerns, including reports of rogue communication devices found in solar inverters and cyberattacks on U.S. water facilities. The order invokes emergency powers, using the legal language of an "unusual and extraordinary" foreign threat, which grants the executive branch broader authority to act without new legislation from Congress. The Department of Energy has been given 120 days to issue implementing regulations, and the Secretary of Energy will have the authority to evaluate existing at-risk equipment and mandate mitigation measures, ranging from software patches to physical...

Senator Deb Fischer Criticizes President Trump's Beef Import Decision, Citing Harm to American Livestock Industry

Senator Deb Fischer Criticizes President Trump's Beef Import Decision, Citing Harm to American Livestock Industry

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) has voiced strong criticism regarding President Trump's decision to temporarily increase beef imports, particularly from Mexico. This move allows an additional 300,000 metric tons of beef to enter the U.S. under a reduced tariff rate for three months, coinciding with the midterm elections. Senator Fischer stated that while lower grocery prices are desirable, they should not come at the expense of American producers. She emphasized that flooding the market with foreign beef harms the domestic livestock industry and undermines efforts to grow the U.S. cattle herd to meet demand. Other Republican senators, including Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), along with the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, have echoed these concerns, highlighting potential negative impacts on ranching families and market stability. The imports from Mexico are notable as there have been previous import limits due to a flesh-eating pest affecting cattle in that region.