Letter to John Boehner - Calling on Speaker Boehner to Take Action on Veterans Pension Cost of Living Adjustment Fix

Letter

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.

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