[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 144 (Thursday, September 11, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      VETERANS' COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2008

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                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2008

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House is considering 
today S. 2617, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment 
(COLA) Act of 2008. If enacted, this bill would require the Secretary 
of Veterans Affairs to provide a COLA to veterans receiving disability 
compensation and other select VA beneficiaries that matches the cost-
of-living increase rates of Social Security beneficiaries. The increase 
would take effect December 1, 2008.
  I am pleased that this Congress has kept its promises to America's 
veterans. Last year, we passed the largest single funding increase in 
the history of the VA, and I am hopeful that we will continue to 
increase funding for key VA programs over the coming year. In the 
meantime, it is necessary for us to meet some other basic challenges 
facing our veterans, and the bill before us addresses one of those 
challenges.
  Many veterans live on fixed incomes, and thus have been very hard hit 
by recent increases in prices for food, gasoline, and other essentials. 
By passing this COLA, we will give veterans across America the 
additional financial assistance they need to care for themselves and 
their families. The Senate passed this bill in July 2008. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I urge the President 
to sign it as soon as it reaches his desk.

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