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US HR1221

US HR1221
Social Security and Medicare Lock-Box Act


summary

Introduced
02/11/2025
In Committee
02/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

119th Congress

Bill Summary

A BILL To amend titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Social Security Surplus Protection Account in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund to hold the Social Security surplus and a Medicare Surplus Protection Account in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to hold the Medicare surplus, to provide for suspension of investment of amounts held in such Accounts until enactment of legislation providing for investment of the Trust Funds in investment vehicles other than obligations of the United States, and to establish a Social Security and Medicare Part A Investment Commission to make recommendations for alternative forms of investment of the Social Security and Medicare surpluses.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a "lock-box" mechanism to protect Social Security and Medicare Trust Fund surpluses by creating separate Surplus Protection Accounts in each fund. Starting in fiscal year 2026, these accounts will hold any annual surplus funds generated by Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes, preventing these funds from being invested in traditional U.S. government obligations. The bill also creates a Social Security and Medicare Part A Investment Commission consisting of nine members appointed by various congressional leaders and the President, tasked with studying and recommending alternative investment vehicles for these trust funds. The commission will conduct a comprehensive study and submit a report to Congress and the President by October 1, 2025, proposing new investment strategies and necessary legislative changes. Commission members must have substantial experience in financial investments and pension benefit plans, will be compensated at a specified rate, and the commission will automatically terminate 90 days after submitting its report. The ultimate goal is to find more effective ways to invest Social Security and Medicare surplus funds beyond traditional government securities, potentially offering better returns and financial stability for these critical social insurance programs.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. (on 02/11/2025)

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