CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Vince Fong (R-CA)

Clergy Act

H.R. 227 · House bill Social Welfare

A Republican bill with 6 Democratic cosponsors · See all 21 cosponsors

Last activity — Became Public Law No: 119-125.

Became law

Passed both chambers and was signed by the President, or became law without a signature.

Nothing more in Congress: it is law. When it takes effect depends on the dates written into it — some parts start at once, others a year or more later.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. Passed House 350–5
  3. Passed Senate unanimous consent
  4. To President
  5. Became Law

The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.

What this bill would do

This bill is known as the Clergy Act. It allows members of the clergy, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners to revoke their previous exemption from Social Security coverage. To make this change, eligible individuals must file an application by the due date of their Federal income tax return for their second taxable year beginning after December 31, 2028. Once a revocation is made, it cannot be undone, meaning the applicant can never file for that exemption again. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Internal Revenue and the Commissioner of Social Security to report a notification plan to specific congressional committees within 90 days.

Yes

  • Scored +3

    Would retired people be better off under this?

    By allowing clergy to join Social Security now, the bill provides them with potential income through monthly insurance benefits upon retirement.

  • Scored +3

    Does this strengthen Social Security?

    The act provides a mechanism for religious workers to access Social Security benefits that were previously unavailable due to their exemption.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.

What Congress actually voted on

One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.

  • The House: a fast-track vote, needing two-thirds to pass The House sets aside its normal procedure to move quickly: no amendments, little debate, and a two-thirds bar instead of a simple majority. It is used for measures expected to be uncontroversial, so a bill that fails here failed despite broad expectations that it would not. Passed 350 yes · 5 no

    See who voted how →

    04/27/2026 · Roll call 139 · recorded as “On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended”