House Approves Social Security Fairness Act

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Social Security Fairness Act, which aims to repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions had previously restricted benefits for public-sector employees, such as teachers and police officers, who also receive non-covered pensions. The bipartisan bill, supported by 327 members, will enable approximately 2.8 million public service workers to claim higher Social Security payments they previously would have been denied. This move comes amid broader concerns about the sustainability of Social Security, with experts warning of potential funding shortfalls by the 2030s due to an increasing retiree population. Former President Donald Trump's fiscal policies have raised questions about the future of Social Security, as he balances promises to protect benefits with the need for government spending cuts. The enactment of the Fairness Act is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring financial equity for affected workers.