Randall Cunningham: “Today I rise to discuss two important provisions of H.R. 4301. The first provision is the military pay raise. The second…”

“Today I rise to discuss two important provisions of H.R. 4301. The first provision is the military pay raise. The second provision concerns the cost of living adjustments [COLA] for military retirees. On the subject of the military pay raise, I am pleased with the committee's action. This year, the Armed Services Committee, of which I am a member, rejected the President's requested 1.6 percent pay raise and approved the full 2.6 percent pay raise which is due to our service men and women. This initiative by the committee corrected the shortcomings in the President's pay proposal. I note that this provision mirrors the proposal in the fiscal year 1995 Republican budget, written by the distinguished gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Kasich]. Mr. Chairman, the U.S. Military is the best-trained, best-equipped fighting force in the world. The young men and women who serve in the military must be rewarded for their hard work. These people put their lives on the line every day to protect the security of the United States. It is the duty of Congress to provide them with adequate compensation. More importantly, it is the law. I urge my colleagues to support this provision of the Defense Reauthorization Act.”