The U.S. Senate passed legislation to expand Social Security benefits to millions of Americans, which is now awaiting President Biden’s signature. The Social Security Fairness Act aims to eliminate two federal policies that have prevented nearly 3 million people, such as police officers, firefighters, postal workers, and teachers, from receiving their full Social Security benefits. This legislation has been in the works for decades and is finally being addressed after the Senate’s first hearings on the matter in 2003.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer hailed the passage of the bill as correcting a 50-year mistake and a victory for public service workers who have been denied their rightful benefits. The bill faced some opposition in the Senate as it came down to the wire, but ultimately passed with bipartisan support. The bill would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), benefiting retirees who also receive pensions from non-Social Security covered jobs.
Although the bill faced some pushback due to its projected cost, it ultimately passed in the Senate and is expected to be signed into law by President Biden. This legislation is seen as a long-awaited victory for public service workers who have been fighting for fairness in the Social Security system.
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