Ms. Sanchez Introduces Bill to Raise Social Security Benefits and Tax Income Over Current Limits
This bill is in the early stages of the legislative process and is sitting with the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Education and Workforce. Since June 10, 2026, no further action has been taken by these committees. Most bills do not move past this stage, and there is no sign of progress at this time.
While popular with many voters, bills that significantly raise taxes on high earners and expand government spending often face strong opposition in a divided Congress.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Reintroduced
Reintroduced from H.R. 3261 (118th), which died when its Congress ended.
H.R. 3261 (118th) →Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Self-employed individuals earning above the current Social Security tax cap would face significantly higher self-employment taxes. By 2032, all net self-employment income would be subject to the full 12.4% Social Security tax with no upper limit. Small business owners who pay both the employer and employee share would feel this most acutely, though they would earn some additional future benefits at a 5% credit rate on surplus earnings.
“an amount equal to the applicable percentage (as determined under subsection (d)(2)) of that part of the net earnings from self-employment which is in excess of the difference (not to be less than 0) between (i) an amount equal to the contribution and benefit base”
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.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
The Strengthening Social Security Act, introduced by Rep. Linda Sánchez, would phase out the $184,500 taxable wage cap by 2032. The bill also proposes switching the COLA formula to the CPI-E to better reflect senior expenses and increasing benefits for widows and widowers.
Ways and Means Committee member Linda T. Sánchez introduced the Strengthening Social Security Act to increase benefits and ensure COLAs reflect real senior expenses. The bill responds to a Trustees' Report warning of trust fund depletion by 2032.
The Strengthening Social Security Act would increase monthly benefits and replace the current CPI-W with the CPI-E for calculating COLAs. It also phases out the taxable cap of $184,500 to ensure high earners contribute more to the program's long-term solvency.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Strengthening Social Security Act of 2026
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