The Introduction of the Federal Law Enforcement Pension Adjustment Equity Act of 2007

Floor Speech

THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT PENSION ADJUSTMENT EQUITY ACT OF 2007

* Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, along with my colleague from Pennsylvania, Mr. PLATTS, I am proud to I introduce the Federal Law Enforcement Pension Adjustment Equity Act of 2007. I am also very pleased to have other distinguished members of this body as original cosponsors of this important bipartisan legislation, including Mr. Stupak of Michigan and Ms. Jo Ann Davis, Mr. Moran and Ms. Drake of Virginia.

* Retirees of the United States Park Police and the Secret Service Uniformed Division who began their careers before January 1, 1984, were promised that, upon retirement, the would receive increases in their annuities proportional to pay increases for active duty servicfmen and women. However, language included into the 2001 Consolidated Appropriations Act specifically denied this promise to this group of retirees as a cost-saving measure.

* As a consequence, these retirees have been denied an annuity increase at great personal financial cost, even though they entered federal uniformed service with the promise that these annuities would be there for them upon retirement. This is a gross injustice to those who put their lives on the line every day in service to their country.

* That is why we are introducing the Federal Law Enforcement Pension Adjustment Equity Act of 2007, to ensure that Congress does what is right, what is just and what is fair. This legislation is bipartisan and should not be controversial. It is my hope that this body can move this bill expeditiously through the legislative process and correct an injustice against uniformed federal personnel who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country.

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