[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 186 (Monday, November 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MILITARY-CIVILIAN COLA INEQUITY

                                 ______


                            HON. WES COOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 20, 1995

  Mr. COOLEY. Mr. Speaker--as a veteran of the Korean war and a member 
of the Veterans Committee--I rise today to address the issue of COLA 
inequity between military and civilian retirees. In 1993, Congress 
voted to delay COLA payments for veterans.
  By delaying the inflation index for veterans, President Clinton was 
able to give more money to other programs. This is wrong. When an 
employer breaks a contract, penalties are paid. Our Government made a 
contract with our veterans--and our veterans have fulfilled their part 
of the contract.
  We must pay them for their service. Given the sacrifices that 
veterans make to preserve our freedoms, it is simply wrong for 
politicians to raid their pensions. Mr. Speaker, this Congress did not 
create COLA inequity--but we have a moral duty to fix the problem.

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