Landrieu Backs Bill to Construct SW Louisiana Veterans' Clinics, Restore COLA for Military Retirees

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., announced she is cosponsoring the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military Retirement Pay Restoration Act that green lights construction of the Lafayette and Lake Charles veterans' clinic, along with 25 other clinics across the country, and reinstates full cost of living adjustments (COLA) for military retirees. Twenty-five national veterans' service organizations have written letters strongly supporting this legislation. Read this letters and the text of the legislation.

"One of our greatest responsibilities is to support the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. But, unfortunately, our veterans face unnecessary challenges in accessing convenient and quality health care and have suffered unfair cuts to their military benefits," said Sen. Landrieu. "I am proud to be a cosponsor of this comprehensive package that restores COLA for military retirees and will green-light the veterans' clinics in Lafayette and Lake Charles to provide more convenient access to quality health care. I am committed to ensuring that our country keeps its solemn vow that we've made to our veterans. I hope that others will join me in supporting and cosponsoring this bill. We owe it to our veterans and service members who have sacrificed so much to protect and serve our country. "

"I would like to applaud Senator Landrieu for cosponsoring this important legislation. This bill (S.1950) addresses a number of needs of our Louisiana veterans including fixing the cut to the military retirees and the authorization to build the new clinics in SW LA. I strongly encourage Sen. Vitter to add his name as a cosponsor as well," said American Legion Past National Commander Bill Detweiler, who also serves on the Louisiana Veterans Affairs Commission.

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