Smith Sponsors Miller Bill

Statement

Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21) today co-sponsored H.R. 3789, a bill introduced by Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.). This bill would amend the text of Title IV, Sec 403, of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013.

Representative Smith: "While I do not support every provision in the Bipartisan Budget Act, I felt it is what's best for Americans because it reduces the deficit and helps us get our economic house in order. One provision I did not support was a one percent decrease in cost-of-living adjustments for some military pensions.

"To repeal this provision, I have cosponsored H.R. 3789, a bill introduced by Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.). It would exempt all veterans who medically retire, those who receive Combat Related Specialty Pay, and surviving spouses in the Survivor Benefit Program from the cost-of-living change in the Bipartisan Budget Act.

"The Bipartisan Budget Act increases defense funding by $33 billion over the next two years. This will help Texas' military installations and protect the jobs of thousands of men and women who serve our country. Without the Bipartisan Budget Act, there would have been automatic cuts in the defense budget that would have eliminated thousands of jobs."

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