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Senators approve bill to expand Social Security to millions of Americans
In a significant move, the U.S. Senate has approved the Social Security Fairness Act, paving the way for millions of American workers to potentially receive increased Social Security benefits.
The bipartisan legislation, which passed with an overwhelming 76-20 vote, aims to repeal two federal policies that currently reduce Social Security payments for nearly 3 million retirees. These individuals, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, postal workers, and other public service employees, have been unfairly impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).
“We’ve finally corrected a 50-year mistake,” declared Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat from New York. “This monumental victory for millions of public service workers is long overdue.”
The passage of this bill marks a significant moment in decades-long efforts to address the issue. The Senate first held hearings on the matter back in 2003.
Advocacy groups, such as the Senior Citizens League, have been actively pushing for reforms that would restore fairness to the system and ensure that these workers receive the benefits they’ve rightfully earned.
“This legislation finally restores fairness to the system and recognizes the hard work of teachers, first responders, and countless public employees,” said Shannon Benton, executive director of the Senior Citizens League. “We are thrilled to see this long-overdue progress.”
The bill’s passage comes after intense lobbying efforts from lawmakers and advocacy groups alike. Despite facing resistance from some Republican lawmakers due to concerns over its cost, which is expected to add a projected $195 billion to federal deficits over the next decade according to the Congressional Budget Office, the legislation has ultimately prevailed.
This development marks a major win for millions of Americans who have been denied their rightful benefits for far too long.
Source: www.cbsnews.com
