On December 21, 2024, the US Senate passed the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act, which aims to increase benefits for nearly 3 million public sector workers, including firemen, policemen, and teachers.

The bill received strong support, passing with a significant majority of 76 votes in favor and only 20 against.

Previously, the House approved the Social Security Fairness Act in November 2024, following a discharge petition that forced a vote.

This legislation seeks to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which currently reduce Social Security benefits for public sector workers who receive pension income.

The WEP affects approximately 2 million beneficiaries, while the GPO impacts nearly 800,000 retirees and their families.

However, critics, including Senator Thom Tillis, have raised concerns about the bill's projected $200 billion cost to the Social Security Trust Fund and its potential to accelerate the program's insolvency.

If enacted, the bill would ensure that nearly 3 million Americans, including over 90,000 retirees in Louisiana, receive the full Social Security benefits they have earned.

Senator Sherrod Brown, a long-time advocate for this proposal, emphasized the unfairness of current restrictions on benefits for public service workers who contribute to Social Security.

Supporters argue that the bill addresses an inequitable penalty faced by public service retirees, with many sharing emotional testimonies about the financial struggles caused by the WEP and GPO.

Republicans are apprehensive about the bill's financial implications, which could complicate efforts to expedite its passage before the end of the Senate's session.

The legislation now awaits President Joe Biden's signature, marking a significant achievement for Senators Collins and Brown, who have championed this cause for decades.

The bill's effective date will apply to Social Security payments for months following December 2023, ensuring timely benefits for those affected by the WEP and GPO.