Veterans' Compensation Cost-Of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, I rise today to join the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs in asking that the Senate pass the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment--COLA--Act of 2023.

This is not the first time we have done this. This is an annual occurrence, and it is good to be back and suggesting to my colleagues that this nonpartisan bill--that we once again come together to pass it this year, 2023.

This legislation makes certain that the VA's compensation benefits, which millions of veterans--thousands of Kansans--receive and which their survivors rely on, keep pace with Social Security and are adjusted to match the Consumer Price Index.

As we enter another year of crushing inflation--as we unfortunately enter another year of crushing inflation--this commonsense legislation is necessary so that veterans and survivors are able to keep pace with rising costs, make ends meet, and continue to receive the support they have earned and deserve.

Yesterday, March 29, was National Vietnam War Veterans Day and the 50th anniversary of the last combat troops leaving Vietnam. This is an opportune time for us as a Senate, us as a Congress, us as a country to once again commit to making certain that veterans and their survivors receive the due support, the due respect, and the due recognition they deserve.

I want to take a moment to address a concern that veterans have brought to me regarding a December 22 report from the Congressional Budget Office and a proposal that was put forth to means test veterans' disability benefits. I do not support this idea, nor am I aware of any Member of Congress who is pursuing that idea, but it is running around on social media. If we can assure our veterans that is not a likelihood, that is a valuable thing to do and provide them some certainty and eliminate some fear they and their families may have.

Let me assure veterans and their loved ones right now I would oppose any legislation to enact that proposal.

As ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I know it is our responsibility not only in our committee but within this Senate Chamber to take care of our veterans--many of whom rely upon the Department of Veterans Affairs for financial support. This bill once again this year will help do that. I appreciate the cooperation from the chairman of the committee.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source