I just received the following from Democrats Abroad, but it applies to Americans, regardless of party affiliation, who receive or expect to receive Social Security and pension payments in Taiwan…
The House of Representatives is voting TOMORROW to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).
WEP reduces Social Security payments by up to 50% if you paid into your country’s equivalent Social Security program and US Social Security. Repealing WEP will restore the full amount Americans abroad paid in and should be entitled to.
Help with a 5 minute action to repeal WEP in the next 24 hours!
All you need to do is call, email, and message your House rep in 3 easy steps! If you are short on time, do as many as you’re able to do between today and tomorrow. The more they hear from you, the better!
Step 1: CALL YOUR HOUSE REP’S DC OFFICE
- Click here and search using your last US address, US voting address, or your parents’ last US address if you have never lived in the US.
- Call the DC office phone number (area code 202).
- When the receptionist answers, read the following script:
Hi, my name is [name], I am a constituent living in [your country]. Can you ask Representative [your rep’s name] to vote yes on H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness bill when it comes to the floor for a vote this week? With the backing of 330 cosponsors, this bipartisan initiative directly addresses retirement security for Americans abroad who paid into Social Security and their resident country’s equivalent program. Please do not vote for the other WEP repeal bill H.R. 5342, the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act - this bill excludes Americans abroad and does not fully help! Please vote only for H.R. 82. [Feel free to add your personal story on how WEP has impacted you].
Tips
- Call during Washington D.C. office hours tomorrow (9am to 5pm ET).
- Try to speak with a live person. If you’ve tried calling 3 times and can’t get through, then just leave a voicemail.
- Minimum credit (usually about $5) can get you connected through any Internet device to reduce costs if you cannot make an international call.
STEP 2: SEND THEM A MESSAGE VIA THEIR WEBSITE
- Click here and search using your last US address, US voting address, or your parents’ last US address if you have never lived in the US.
- Navigate to your House rep’s website and contact form - enter your US voting address in order to submit your message.
- Here’s a template message that you can send:
Dear Representative [Rep’s last name],
Hi, my name is [name], I am a constituent living in [your country]. Will you vote yes on H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness bill when it comes to the floor for a vote this week? With the backing of 330 cosponsors, this bipartisan initiative directly addresses retirement security for Americans abroad who paid into Social Security and their resident country’s equivalent program. Please do not vote for the other WEP repeal bill H.R. 5342, the Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act - this bill excludes Americans abroad and does not fully help! Please vote only for H.R. 82.
[Feel free to add your personal story on how WEP has impacted you].
As your constituent, please vote yes when H.R. 82 comes to a floor vote.
Sincerely,
[Your name]STEP 3: MESSAGE YOUR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Find your rep on Facebook or Twitter and comment:
I am a constituent living in [your country]. Will you please vote for H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness bill when it comes to a floor vote this week? Co-sponsoring this bill will demonstrate your commitment to supporting your constituents abroad!