Congressman Lamborn Works to Prevent COLA Reductions for Military Retirees

Statement

Our men and women who serve make sacrifices that some of us can only imagine. That is why I supported the recent Bipartisan Budget Act because it was absolutely essential to limit the effects of sequestration on our active duty military over the next two years. Combat readiness and crucial training were some of the important elements that were addressed by the Bipartisan Budget Act. I could not allow our friends and neighbors to go into harm's way without critical training or equipment.

However, there was good and bad in the Bipartisan Budget Act, making it, quite possibly, the most difficult vote I have taken in Congress. It was a positive step to eliminate the draconian defense sequester cuts, yet it was troubling that one of the mechanisms used to help pay for the elimination of national security cuts was a reduction in the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases for working-age military retirees.

Not being able to add amendments to the original Budget deal and having heard from a substantial number of constituents who were disappointed in this provision, I am supporting two resolutions in the House, H.R. 3788 and 3789, to fully restore planned COLA increases for our veterans. This issue is of critical importance and I expect these measures to come to a vote in the House and am hopeful of a favorable reaction in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

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