Walz Votes to Restore Military Retiree Pensions

Press Release

Today, Representative Tim Walz (MN-01) released the following statement after voting for a bill to restore the misguided cuts to the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for military retirees under age 62 that were proposed by Chairman Paul Ryan and included in the budget agreement. Walz has made clear that he opposed these cuts from the beginning, has co-sponsored legislation to restore the cuts, and has urged House leadership to take action. While this isn't the pay-for that was included in Walz's bill or one he would have chosen, he is pleased to see these COLA cuts restored today.

"I'm pleased these misguided cuts to military retiree's cost-of-living-adjustment are being restored today. Our country needs a budget in order to end the irresponsible governing-by-crisis cycle in Washington, ensure another reckless and costly government shutdown does not occur, and give our local businesses and communities the certainty they need to grow and create jobs. That being said, the budget that passed was far from perfect. That is why I've opposed these unwarranted cuts to COLA that were included in the budget agreement from the beginning, co-sponsored legislation to restore them, and urged House leadership to take action to restore them."

Walz recently introduced legislation with Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY) that would repeal the unwarranted cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) cuts for military retiree's under the age of 62 that were included in the Bipartisan Budget Act. His proposal would be fully paid for by closing tax loopholes for corporations that operate and are run from the U.S. but use off-shore tax havens to avoid paying their fair share, footing middle class families and veterans with the bill. Walz is also looking into introducing legislation to require an audit of the Pentagon in order find savings by rooting out waste and inefficiencies at the Department of Defense.

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