Senate Bill 639
119th Congress(2025-2026)
Clergy Act
Introduced
Introduced in Senate on Feb 19, 2025
Origin Chamber
Senate
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
639
Congress
119
Policy Area
Social Welfare
Social Welfare
Primary focus of measure is public assistance and Social Security programs; social services matters, including community service, volunteer, and charitable activities. Measures concerning such health programs as Medicare and Medicaid may fall under Health policy area.
No Senate votes have been held for this bill.
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 for an irrevocable exemption and will not receive Social Security or Medicare benefits in retirement unless they have qualifying credits from other employment.
The Internal Revenue Service 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.
February 19, 2025
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02/19/2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
02/19/2025
Introduced in Senate
Public Record
Record Updated
Oct 5, 2026 8:25:56 PM