WASHINGTON – Congress on early Saturday passed a bill that would increase Social Security benefits for public sector workers. The Social S ecurity Fairness Act, would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO),

The popular measure gives full benefits to millions of people who currently receive them at a reduced level. Critics warn the $196 billion cost will speed up the program’s insolvency.

The Social Security Fairness Act passed by a vote of 76-20 in the early hours of Saturday. The act eliminates provisions that affect an estimated 3 million individuals. The measure was passed in the Senate after a key amendment,