Griffin Votes to Reverse Cuts to Veterans COLAs

Press Release

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement after the House passed legislation to reverse the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reductions for military retirees that President Obama signed into law last month as part of the Ryan-Murray budget agreement:

"I said from the beginning that cutting military retirees' pensions was bad policy, and I'm glad we've done the right thing and reversed these scheduled reductions. America must address out-of-control entitlement spending, but we must keep the promises we've made to current veterans, seniors and retirees."

When he supported the Ryan-Murray budget agreement in January to avoid more government shutdowns, Rep. Griffin pledged to "push for a fix [to veterans COLA reductions] that ensures Congress addresses excessive government spending without placing an undue burden on our veterans, service members, and their families."

In December, Rep. Griffin cosponsored several bills aimed at eliminating the cuts to veterans COLAs.

Overall, the House's legislation will reduce the deficit by $34 million by extending sequester-level mandatory spending for an additional year, through FY 2024.

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