Nikki Budzinski (D-IL)
Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ``Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act'' seeks to amend title II of the Social Security Act. It requires the Commissioner of Social Security to use either the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) or the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E). The determination will be based on whichever index results in a higher percentage for cost-of-living adjustments. This change applies to cost-of-living adjustments under titles II, VIII, and XVI of the Social Security Act. The Bureau of Labor Statistics will be responsible for preparing and publishing the Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers. These amendments are set to apply to determinations ending on or after September 30, 2026.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +6
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill specifically aims to boost the purchasing power of seniors by using a more tailored inflation index for cost-of-living adjustments.
- Scored +6
Would retired people be better off under this?
Retirees receiving Social Security benefits will benefit from potentially higher cost-of-living adjustments.
- Scored +5
Does this strengthen Social Security?
The bill increases Social Security benefits by allowing the use of whichever index—CPI-W or CPI-E—results in a higher percentage.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill increases benefit amounts through higher cost-of-living adjustments, which increases federal outlays.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Higher Cost-of-Living Adjustments: The bill directs the use of whichever index—the CPI-W or the CPI-E—results in a higher percentage for determining cost-of-living adjustments (Section 2(a)(1)). This could result in increased benefit amounts for those covered under titles II, VIII, and XVI of the Social Security Act.
-
Specific Data for Seniors: The Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish an index specifically indicating changes in expenditures typical for individuals in the United States who have attained age 62 (Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Limited Scope of Adjustments: While the bill changes how cost-of-living adjustments are determined for certain Social Security titles, it explicitly states that for any other provision of law that adjusts amounts based on the same percentage as Social Security, those provisions will be applied without regard to the changes made by this Act (Section 2(c)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — Retirees receiving Social Security benefits will benefit from potentially higher cost-of-living adjustments. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill specifically aims to boost the purchasing power of seniors by using a more tailored inflation index for cost-of-living adjustments. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The increase in Title XVI and Social Security benefits provides additional financial support to low-income households.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this strengthen Social Security? — The bill increases Social Security benefits by allowing the use of whichever index—CPI-W or CPI-E—results in a higher percentage. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By potentially increasing Social Security and Title XVI payments, the bill provides higher income for vulnerable populations.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill increases benefit amounts through higher cost-of-living adjustments, which increases federal outlays.
- 11/25/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/28/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Lois FrankelDemocrat · Florida
Seth MagazinerDemocrat · Rhode Island
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia