FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2012
Contact: Matt McAlvanah
(202) 224-2834
Mystery Republican Blocks Cost Of Living Adjustment for Disabled Veterans
Secret Republican hold on bill could prevent more money in disability benefits from going to millions of veterans
(Washington,
D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Chairman of the Senate
Veteran's Affairs Committee, announced that an as yet unnamed Senate
Republican has blocked a traditionally non-controversial bill that would
provide over 3.9 million veterans and their survivors with a
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for the benefits they receive. The COLA
increase, which is designed to offset inflation and other factors that
lead to the rising cost of living, was brought to the Senate floor by
Senator Murray last Thursday. The bill was cleared by all Senate
Democrats but was blocked by at least one Senate Republican that has not
come forward to claim responsibility.
"This is stunning" said Senator Murray. "Particularly
because we still don't have any indication why someone would block a
cost-of-living adjustment for veterans and their surviving spouses, many
of whom are struggling to make ends meet. This adjustment for
our disabled veterans is hard earned and well deserved. My hope is that
whichever Senator has decided to hold up this bill will at least come
forward to own up to it. That way we can move forward to overcome their
oppositions and get our veterans the support they need."
The
Veterans COLA will affect several important benefits, including
veterans' disability compensation and dependency and indemnity
compensation for surviving spouses and children. The COLA rate will
match the annual increase provided to Social Security recipients and is
based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.
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Matt McAlvanah
Communications Director
U.S. Senator Patty Murray
202-224-2834 - press office
202--224-0228 - direct
