January 15, 2014

Rep. Vargas Fights To Protect Veterans’ Retirement Benefits

WASHINGTON, DC (January 15, 2014) – Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-51) is a proud cosponsor of H.R. 3804, introduced by Rep. Julia Brownley (CA-26), which would repeal the provision in the Bipartisan Budget Act (H.J.Res. 59) that reduces the Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) for military retirees under the age of 62.

“The nation’s budget should not be balanced on the backs of our veterans, who have put their lives at risk in defense of our country,” said Rep. Vargas.  “Our men and women in uniform deserve to know that when they retire, they will receive the benefits they have rightfully earned.  Repealing the COLA reduction is the moral thing to do.”

Members of the military who have served their country for 20 years may retire and collect a pension. Many military retirees begin second careers while receiving military retirement pay. The Bipartisan Budget Act, which was signed into law in December of 2013, cut military retirement Cost-of-Living Adjustments by 1% for working-age retirees who are under the age of 62.

“Protecting the retirement benefits of those who have spent their lives in harm’s way is one way our nation can show its gratitude for the immense sacrifices our service members make,” said Rep. Vargas. 

Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border.  Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress.  He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.