Congressman Cole Votes to Give Veterans COLA

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representative Tom Cole voted for H.R. 4893, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006, which passed in the House today.

“I am very proud to have voted for this legislation that provides a cost-of-living adjustment to our veterans. We have a very important responsibility to take care of our veterans and this legislation helps make good on that promise," Congressman Tom Cole said.

The Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act will provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to disability compensation rates for veterans with service-connected disabilities equal to the adjustment provided under Social Security, which is calculated based upon changes in the Consumer Price Index. The specific amount will be determined later this year by the Social Security Administration and the Veterans Administration.

This legislation must now pass in the Senate.

Over the past several years, Congress has made great progress on many veterans issues including helping to eliminate the ban on concurrent receipt and eliminating the Social Security offset under the Survivors Benefit Plan. The veterans budget has increased $30 billion in 6 years and veterans medical care funding has risen over 50 percent in the past six years.

"We have made great progress, but we still have work to do. I look forward to continuing to work in Congress to improve veterans programs and benefits," Congressman Tom Cole said.

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