WASHINGTON (JTA) — The U.S. Senate approved a bill that would end Social Security payments to former Nazis.
The No Social Security for Nazis Act passed Dec. 4 by voice vote. Having passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously earlier in the week, the bill now goes to President Obama for his signature.
The measure closes a loophole that had allowed ex-Nazis who lied about their past when immigrating to the United States — and had been identified and deported by the Justice Department — to continue receiving Social Security and other benefits.
Obama is likely to sign the bill, as the White House has encouraged bids to close the loophole.
News of the continued benefits was uncovered in October when The Associated Press published an expose.
There are at least four living beneficiaries, including Jakob Denzinger, a former guard at Auschwitz. Denzinger, 90, lives in Croatia, where he receives approximately $1,500 a month in Social Security payments.
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