[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E81]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RESTORE COLA EQUITY FOR MILITARY RETIREES

                                 ______


                            HON. LINDA SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 24, 1996

  Mrs. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today the House of 
Representatives passed legislation that is of utmost importance to the 
veterans who have honorably served our country. I'm speaking of the 
fiscal year 1996 Defense authorization bill that restores COLA equity 
between military and civilian retirees.
  Historically, Congress treated Federal civilian and military 
pensioners the same under the law. However, the Omnibus Budget 
Reconciliation Act of 1993 contained a provision delaying Federal 
civilian retirees' COLAs until April for fiscal years 1994-96. In 
contrast, military retirees were delayed until April of 1994 and until 
October for fiscal year 1995-98. I found this to be a flawed policy. 
Inflation does not discriminate and neither should the U.S. Congress.
  The bill we approved today restores COLA equity for military and 
civilian retirees. While the House approved this measure on December 
15, it was vetoed by the President. We should not play politics with 
COLA's. A system which puts COLA's on different schedules for different 
groups is bad public policy. It is also a disservice to dedicated 
Americans who served this country, often in harm's way.
  I urge the President to quickly sign this legislation. The veterans 
in Washington State deserve nothing less.

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