Jon Runyan: “Thank you, Chairman Miller. Today I rise in support of H.R. 1407, as amended, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living…”

“Thank you, Chairman Miller. Today I rise in support of H.R. 1407, as amended, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2011. H.R. 1407, as amended, which I introduced in April, puts veterans on equal footing with Social Security beneficiaries by increasing the amount provided for disabled veterans' compensation, veterans' clothing allowance, and dependency and indemnity compensation for veterans' survivors by the amount of the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. This annual and noncontroversial bill, which has been scored by CBO as having no budgetary impact, is a crucial part of ensuring benefits for disabled veterans and their families are sufficient to meet their needs. H.R. 1407, as amended, also includes H.R. 1671, introduced by the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Braley), the Andrew Connolly Veterans' Housing Act, which provides a 5-year extension to the current program set to expire on September 30. Mr. Connolly's story demonstrates the beneficial impact specially adapted housing can have on a disabled veteran temporarily living in the house of a family member. It is important that we extend this program and continue to allow disabled veterans in similar situations adapted housing. I urge all Members to support H.R. 1407, as amended.”