Tom Cole (R-OK)
Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 4 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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
This bill establishes the Commission on Long-Term Social Security Solvency. The Commission is tasked with creating recommendations and proposed legislation to ensure the solvency of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for at least 75 years. The Commission consists of 13 members appointed by various congressional leaders and the President. It is authorized to receive official data, hire a Director and staff, and contract with agencies. Once the Commission submits its report, a specific process is triggered for the expedited consideration of its recommendations. The Act also includes provisions for how an "approval bill" containing these recommendations is introduced and passed through both Houses of Congress.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +6
Would retired people be better off under this?
Addresses the fundamental solvency of the funds providing their income.
- Scored +6
Does this strengthen Social Security?
The primary goal of the bill is to secure the long-term solvency of Social Security for 75 years.
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
Focuses on ensuring the long-term solvency of benefits they currently rely on.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Long-term financial stability of Social Security: The Commission is directed to find ways to achieve solvency for both the Federal Old-sAge and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for at least 75 years (Section 3).
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Public transparency and input: The Commission is required to hold at least one hearing that is open to the public, which allows for public comment and participation (Section 5(d)).
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Expert involvement: The bill requires that at least one member appointed by each political party be an expert who is not an elected official or a federal employee (Section 4(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limited debate on recommendations: When the "approval bill" containing the Commission's recommendations is considered, debate in the House is limited to 4 hours and debate in the Senate is limited to 30 hours (Section 9(a)(2)(C) and Section 9(a)(3)(C)).
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Prohibition of changes to the legislation: No amendments or motions to strike provisions from the approval bill are allowed during consideration in either the House or the Senate (Section 9(a)(4)).
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Restricted legislative process: The bill mandates an expedited process where committees must report the bill without amendment and certain motions, such as the motion to reconsider a vote, are not allowed (Section 9(a)(2) and Section 9(a)(3)).
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? — Addresses the fundamental solvency of the funds providing their income. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Specifically targets the solvency of the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Focuses on ensuring the long-term solvency of benefits they currently rely on. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Protects the stability of Social Security, which is critical for low-income seniors. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Aims to ensure long-term availability of retirement benefits. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Aims to secure trust funds for future retirement. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Aims to secure trust funds for future generations.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this strengthen Social Security? — The primary goal of the bill is to secure the long-term solvency of Social Security for 75 years.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — Establishes a formal process to create a 75-year solvency plan for major trust funds. Does this reduce what the federal government owes? — Aims to ensure long-term solvency of Social Security trust funds, potentially reducing future deficit spending.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires at least one public hearing for public comment and participation.
- 9/15/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/20/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/23/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/8/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 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.
Don BaconRepublican · Nebraska
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Scott FranklinRepublican · Florida
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Adrian SmithRepublican · Nebraska
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York
Derek TranDemocrat · California