Gallego Urges Republican and Democratic Leaders in Congress to Take Action on Veterans Pension Cost of Living Adjustment Fix
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Pete P. Gallego (D-Alpine) wrote to leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate asking them to address the cost of living adjustment fix for pensions of retired veterans. The issue came up after the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, enacted into law in late December.
“My letters call for immediate action – to bring the bills for a vote and to fix this for our military retirees,” U.S. Rep. Gallego said. “Ever since I was a child, I was taught to respect my elders, military members and veterans. Days after we voted on the Bipartisan Budget Act, I sponsored legislation to end these cuts. It’s been 24 days since I sponsored the legislation – now sitting idle – and that is unacceptable. We must honor the men and women who served – through real actions and not lip service.”
U.S. Rep. Gallego also wrote letters to the Chairs – other members of Congress charged with funding the government through their House and Senate Appropriations Committees – asking them to address the cost of living adjustment fix.
“I’ve sent them separate letters and spoken to some on the House floor. They have been receptive to me and want to fix this as well,” he said.
In December 2013, U.S. Rep. Gallego and 95 other members in the House sponsored legislation to eliminate cuts to cost of living adjustments for military retirement payments. The bill was introduced by U.S. Representative Jeff Miller, a Republican and chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
Below is the full text of the letters:
9 January 2014
The Honorable John Boehner
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
H-232, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Speaker Boehner,
In December, majorities of both Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives supported the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. This was critical for two reasons: the budget deal helps set the stage for greater fiscal certainty for our government, and it represents a long overdue need for bipartisan agreement on our nation’s most pressing issues.
However, the Bipartisan Budget Act was still flawed. A week after the budget deal passed, I supported H.R. 3790 to repeal the reduction in cost of living adjustments (COLA) for working age veterans up to age 62. This legislation to fix the COLA reduction was introduced by the House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) who, like me, also supported the budget deal.
I ask that you bring this legislation to the floor for a vote. Although passing the budget deal was critical, so too is addressing its flaws.
I voted for the budget deal because sequestration has been seriously hurting our national security and our nation’s economy. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 ensured that we are able to partially restore critical funding to adequately train and equip our active duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. Reduced training means increased risk when we ask service members to fight. That’s unacceptable to those who are currently serving. It’s unacceptable to their spouses and children, too.
Passing the budget deal keeps our promise to those currently serving, and now is the time to keep our promise to those who have served. Please bring H.R. 3790 to a vote.
Sincerely,
Pete P. Gallego
23rd Congressional District of Texas
9 January 2014
|
The Honorable Barbara Mikulski Chairwoman Senate Committee on Appropriations |
The Honorable Harold Rogers
Chairman House Committee on Appropriations |
Dear Chairwoman Mikulski and Chairman Rogers:
In December, majorities of both Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives supported the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013. This was critical for two reasons: the budget deal helps set the stage for greater fiscal certainty for our government, and it represents a long overdue need for bipartisan agreement on our nation’s most pressing issues.
However, the Bipartisan Budget Act was still flawed. A week after the budget deal passed, I supported H.R. 3790 to repeal the reduction in cost of living adjustments (COLA) for working age veterans up to age 62. This legislation to fix the COLA reduction was introduced by the House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (R-FL) who, like me, also supported the budget deal.
I ask that you, as leaders of the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, take the opportunity to fix the working age veterans pension COLA reduction in the upcoming omnibus appropriations legislation. This is the right thing to do.
I voted for the budget deal because sequestration has been seriously hurting our national security and our nation’s economy. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 ensured that we are able to partially restore critical funding to adequately train and equip our active duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. Reduced training means increased risk when we ask service members to fight. That’s unacceptable to those who are currently serving. It’s unacceptable to their spouses and children, too.
Passing the budget deal keeps our promise to those currently serving, and now is the time to keep our promise to those who have served. Please fix the working age veterans COLA reduction in the upcoming omnibus appropriations legislation.
Sincerely,
Pete P. Gallego
23rd Congressional District of Texas
