House Passes Runyan Veterans' Cost Of Living Adjustment Legislation

Statement

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011 (H.R. 1407), legislation sponsored by Congressman Jon Runyan (NJ-3). The bill provides veterans a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for veterans' disability benefits. The bill passed by voice vote and was Congressman Runyan's first legislation to pass the House of Representatives as a Freshman Member of Congress.

"I've had the opportunity to speak to veterans throughout the District and among the most mentioned concerns is the COLA issue. I'm pleased and honored that as a first-time Member, I was able to introduce and secure final passage of legislation that can help our nation's veterans," said Runyan. "This bi-partisan bill is a crucial part of ensuring benefits for disabled veterans and their families are sufficient to meet their needs. It increases the amount provided for disabled veterans compensation, veterans' clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation for veterans' survivors by the amount of the social security cost of living adjustment."

The legislation now moves to the Senate for their consideration.

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