[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 32 (Tuesday, February 18, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Sanders, Mrs. 
        Murray, Ms. Warren, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. King, Mr. Schatz, Mr. 
        Blumenthal, Mr. Kaine, and Mr. Fetterman):
  S. 624. A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to achieve 
parity between the cost-of-living adjustment with respect to an annuity 
under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the 
Civil Service Retirement System, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the Equal 
COLA Act, which I introduced today.
  The Federal Government's workforce is central to protecting our 
national security and delivering critical services to hundreds of 
millions of Americans. As such, it is essential that the Federal 
Government attract and retain an effective workforce and, once their 
service is complete, ensure retirees receive the dignified retirement 
that they deserve. It is clear that now more than ever, Congress must 
step up and support our Federal workforce.
  Unfortunately, in 1986, Congress created a two-tiered system that now 
prevents nearly 800,000 retired Federal employees from receiving a full 
cost-of-living adjustment when consumer prices increase more than 2 
percent from year to year.
  In January, some Federal retirees received a 2.5-percent COLA. 
However, other Federal retirees received only a 2.0-percent increase 
due to this policy, which fails to protect retired employees living on 
a fixed income. I believe all Federal retirees who have worked in 
service to our country should receive a full adjustment to their 
benefits each year that is consistent with national economic trends.
  That is why I am proud to reintroduce this legislation to fix this 
unfair system and ensure that all retired Federal employees receive 
full retirement benefits that keep up with the cost of living.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill to ensure 
that retired Federal employees no longer pay the price of a misguided 
law and that their benefits fully keep pace with the cost of living.

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