Runyon backs COLA protection for military retirees

Rep. Jon Runyan (R-N.J.) co-sponsored two measures on Thursday that would strike a cost of living adjustment for military veterans and medical retirees from the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013.

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) introduced both pieces of legislation. One bill would eliminate the Bipartisan Budget Act’s COLA reduction for all military retirees who are younger than 62.

The other bill would eliminate the COLA reduction for military veterans who are younger than 62 and receive combat-related specialty compensation or concurrent receipt pay under a medical retirement. The measure also would exempt surviving spouses who receive benefits under the survivor benefit program from the COLA reduction.

“I was very disappointed that the Bipartisan Budget Act contained COLA reductions for certain military retirees,” Runyan said. “That is why I am pleased to work with Chairman Miller to advance legislation that would eliminate the cuts. Our nation’s service members and veterans deserve nothing less.”

Under the Bipartisan Budget Act, the cost of living adjustment would be reduced to 1 percentage point below the consumer price index for working-age military retirees. Once a retiree became 62 years old, the COLA level would increase by 1 percentage point. The change would go into effect in 2016.

Ripon Advance News Service

Recent Posts

Republicans’ bill to ensure security assistance to Israel passes House

The U.S. House of Representatives on May 16 voted 224-187 to approve legislation led by…

22 hours ago

House advances Carey’s bipartisan Youth Poisoning Protection Act

A bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) that would ban a hazardous…

23 hours ago

House Financial Services Committee passes lending bills from Kim, Hill

Legislation led by U.S. Rep. French Hill (R-AR) to protect small banks and lenders from…

23 hours ago

EV credit rules could end under bipartisan, bicameral resolution offered by Miller, Fischer

U.S. Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV) and U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) on May 16 proposed…

23 hours ago

Moolenaar’s bipartisan bill to halt TB outbreaks moves to House

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee on May 16 approved a bipartisan bill…

23 hours ago

Kelly’s legislation would expand E-3 nonimmigrant visa program

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) on May 14 signed on as the lead original cosponsor…

23 hours ago

This website uses cookies.