WASHINGTON – Congressman Andy Barr released the following statement following his support of an Amendment to S. 25, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 326-90-1:

“Today I voted to reverse the reductions to the percentage of the cost-of-living increases given to military retirees,” said Congressman Barr. “This amendment addresses the concerns that were brought to my attention by our Sixth District Veterans Coalition regarding how the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 would have affected their military retirement.”

After the Veterans Coalition meeting on December 30, Barr directed the formation of a working group made up of retired veterans who were affected by the law change. That group examined several pieces of proposed legislation focused on reforming the changes that were made to the military retirement system and provided a recommendation on a future course of action.

"It is an honor to act on their recommendation and support today’s Amendment, which ensures that Veterans who are currently retired or who joined the military before January 1, 2014 will not be subject to the COLA changes that were contained in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013.

“I remain humbled to represent the brave men and women who have fought on behalf of our country to secure our freedoms.”


More on Congressman Barr’s Sixth District Veterans Coalition:

Congressman Barr’s Sixth District Veterans Coalition provides invaluable input and guidance.  It gives veterans of the Sixth Congressional District a direct line of communication to their representative in Congress and serves as a proactive partnership that works to address veterans’ issues on both the local and national level.

If you would like to become involved with the Kentucky Sixth District Veterans Coalition, please contact Tyler White in the Lexington District Office at Tyler.White@Mail.House.Gov.