Rounds Cosponsors Bill to Increase Benefits for Veterans
Bipartisan bill would boost veterans’ disability compensation, accommodate for cost-of-living adjustment
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, cosponsored the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2017, bipartisan legislation to increase veterans’ disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill was introduced by U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, respectively, and cosponsored by every member of the committee.
“Our nation’s veterans selflessly committed to defend our freedoms,” said Rounds. “With costs rising on everything from groceries to healthcare, our vets and their families deserve to have their compensation and benefits adjusted accordingly.”
The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2017 would increase the rates of VA disability compensation, dependency compensation for surviving children and spouses, as well as the clothing allowance for veterans based on rising costs of living. This cost-of-living adjustment, which would be equal to the amount of the adjustment given to Social Security recipients, is determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index on a yearly basis. The cost-of-living adjustment for veterans would go into effect on Dec. 1, 2017.
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