H.R. 227 Passed both chambers Social Welfare

Clergy Act

To allow a period in which members of the clergy may revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20] Introduced January 7, 2025 Cosponsors 21 (15 R, 6 D) Latest action September 30, 2026

Summary

Clergy Act
This bill establishes a two-year window for certain members of the clergy and Christian Science practitioners to revoke their exemption from Social Security and Medicare taxes on ministerial earnings. Under current law, such individuals who object to participation in public insurance programs on religious or conscientious grounds may apply to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an irrevocable exemption and will not receive Social Security or Medicare benefits in retirement unless they have qualifying credits from other employment.
The IRS must develop a plan to inform members of the clergy and Christian Science practitioners of their eligibility to revoke prior exemptions, pursuant to the bill's changes.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

  • HouseApr 27, 2026·Roll 139·H.R. 227
    Clergy Act
    On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
    Passed350–5
    R 166–4 D 183–1 I 1–0

Actions

  1. Sep 30, 2026 Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5298)
  2. Sep 30, 2026 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
  3. Sep 30, 2026 Senate Committee on Finance discharged by Unanimous Consent.
  4. Apr 28, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  5. Apr 27, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  6. Apr 27, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 350 - 5 (Roll no. 139). (text: CR H3115-3116)
  7. Apr 27, 2026 Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3118-3119)
  8. Apr 27, 2026 At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
  9. Apr 27, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 227.
  10. Apr 27, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3115-3116)
  11. Apr 27, 2026 Mr. Carey moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  12. Jan 7, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.

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