On the recordMay 23, 2017
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to support H.R. 1329, as amended. The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act provides a 1-year cost-of-living adjustment for the rate of compensation for veterans with service- connected disabilities as well as the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors. As most of us know, this adjustment is tied directly to the rates of increase in Social Security benefits. Disability payments are vital to the economic well-being of most veterans, and that support should never be eroded by inflation. This bill ensures that does not happen. I thank Chairman Roe for bringing the bill to us in a totally bipartisan process, and the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, as always. The names of Chairman Bost and Ranking Member Esty have been brought up a lot today. It says something about it. They are tackling issues that have lasted years. They are bringing up important issues that are going to impact the well-being of veterans. You heard them both say it. They did so in a bipartisan manner that I think serves the reputation of this House well. We sorely need more true bipartisan problem solving like this. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
