Clergy Act
Sponsor: Vince Fong (R-CA)
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.
Social Welfare Topic assigned by the Congressional Research Service.
Who won, and how much of the country was behind them
The dotted gap is 18.6% of U.S. adults whose member did not vote, voted “present,” or whose seat was vacant.
| Side | Outcome | Votes | Share of U.S. adults |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yea | Won | 350 | 80.1% |
| Nay | Lost | 5 | 1.2% |
| Not represented on this question | No position taken | 0 | 18.6% |