This legislation creates a specific window for certain religious professionals to opt back into Social Security. Duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners who previously elected an exemption from Social Security coverage may revoke that exemption. The application for revocation must be filed no later than the due date of their federal income tax return for their second taxable year beginning after December 31, 2027. Once revoked, the decision is permanent , and individuals cannot again apply for an exemption. The revocation can be effective for either the applicant's first or second taxable year beginning after December 31, 2027, and for all subsequent years. If the application is filed late for a specific year, it must include full payment of all self-employment taxes that would have been owed for that year without the exemption. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, develop a plan to inform eligible individuals about this opportunity to revoke their exemption.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-425.
Mr. Carey moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3115-3116)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 227.
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.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3118-3119)
Considered as unfinished business.
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)
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-425.
Mr. Carey moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3115-3116)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 227.
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.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3118-3119)
Considered as unfinished business.
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)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Social Welfare
Congressional oversightIncome tax exclusionReligionSocial security and elderly assistanceTax administration and collection, taxpayers
Clergy Act
USA119th CongressHR-227| House
| Updated: 4/28/2026
This legislation creates a specific window for certain religious professionals to opt back into Social Security. Duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers, members of religious orders, and Christian Science practitioners who previously elected an exemption from Social Security coverage may revoke that exemption. The application for revocation must be filed no later than the due date of their federal income tax return for their second taxable year beginning after December 31, 2027. Once revoked, the decision is permanent , and individuals cannot again apply for an exemption. The revocation can be effective for either the applicant's first or second taxable year beginning after December 31, 2027, and for all subsequent years. If the application is filed late for a specific year, it must include full payment of all self-employment taxes that would have been owed for that year without the exemption. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in consultation with the Commissioner of Social Security, develop a plan to inform eligible individuals about this opportunity to revoke their exemption.
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-425.
Mr. Carey moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3115-3116)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 227.
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.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3118-3119)
Considered as unfinished business.
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)
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 40 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 370.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-425.
Mr. Carey moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3115-3116)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 227.
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.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3118-3119)
Considered as unfinished business.
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)