Articles

In a society where social media clicks seem to command the political landscape and conflict dominates the news cycle, I have long held the belief that legislation is what truly changes lives. As we enter the new year, we prepare to commemorate the 90th anniversary of one of our nation’s greatest legislative achievements — the Social Security Act.

In 1935, surrounded by members of Congress and his secretary of labor, Frances Perkins, the first woman to hold a Cabinet-level position, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. As he did so, Mr. Roosevelt remarked, “If the Senate and the House of Representatives in this long and arduous session had done nothing more than pass this bill, the session would be regarded as historic for all time.”

He was right. As someone who fully understands the significance of Social Security in all its manifestations, including survivor benefits, I can attest to the transformative impact of the safety net it provides; it is the foundation of retirement security and, for families like mine growing up, a lifeline for those in need.

That spirit of effecting meaningful change is what guided me and my Democratic colleagues as we ushered in achievement upon achievement in recent years — achievements that rival those of the Great Society.

We passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, marking a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure. With more than $400 billion invested in America’s roads, bridges, airports, rail network, ports and waterways, EV network, clean water and high-speed internet, we are now witnessing the fruits of those investments; anyone who has driven down the Mass Pike and has seen the roadwork can attest to this.

We also passed the Inflation Reduction Act — the largest investment to combat the climate crisis in our nation’s history. Through the use of tax incentives, we are already seeing the development and deployment of clean energy production, energy efficiency, clean fuels, clean vehicles and clean manufacturing, with more than $500 billion in private investments.

Between the BIL and the IRA, the First District has received more than $400 million in federal funding. This does not include nearly $150 million in funding to support improved and expanded passenger rail service, bringing us one step closer to making west-east rail a reality. With both of these bills drafted in the Ways and Means Committee under my chairmanship, I take great satisfaction in knowing that communities throughout my district are reaping the benefits.

We also passed the largest expansion of veteran health care and benefits in generations with the PACT Act, extending health coverage to more than 5 million veterans exposed to harmful chemicals. Since its enactment, more than 1.4 million PACT Act claims have been approved, and more than 5.9 million toxic exposure screenings have been conducted.

In Western Massachusetts, we delivered for our veterans by fulfilling our promise to build a new Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke. With the topping-off ceremony taking place this past November, the home is projected to be completed on time, thanks to union labor.

I think Mr. Roosevelt would be most proud of our achievements relative to retirement savings. My two bills, SECURE and SECURE 2.0, increased access to retirement plans for millions of workers, positioning us to further enhance retirement savings with initiatives like my Auto-IRA legislation and SECURE 3.0. We also passed the Butch Lewis Act, safeguarding more than 1.2 million pensions, and the Postal Service Reform Act, protecting health benefits for millions of U.S. Postal Service retirees.

Most recently, after years of hard work, we delivered relief to nearly 3 million public servants, including more than 100,000 in Massachusetts, by eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. After years of being denied benefits, those who have contributed the necessary quarters will receive what they are entitled to.

As I reflect on our recent achievements and look ahead to 2025, I remain focused on what matters most to the American people and, most important, my constituents in Western and Central Massachusetts: Lowering costs, addressing long-term care and improving retirement savings are all at the forefront. These are worthwhile causes that might seem impossible, but as President Roosevelt once remarked, the American people have a habit of “going right ahead and accomplishing the impossible.”

As we have seen in recent years, pursuing and achieving the impossible is how we effect real change. Thanks to all of you, I have had the privilege of playing a part in that success.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, of the First Congressional District of Massachusetts, is the ranking member of the House Committee on Ways and Means in Congress.