Obama Signs Fitzpatrick-led Veteran Pension Bill into Law

Obama Signs Fitzpatrick-led Veteran Pension Bill into Law

LANGHORNE, PA – Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-8) once again successfully ushered vital legislation into law after President Obama signed a bill [S. 25] which restores pension cost-of-living adjustments for military veterans, and ensures seniors affordable access to the healthcare they receive through Medicare.  Fitzpatrick led the bill through the House (326-90) and Senate (95-3) last week

“I’m glad President Obama acted swiftly to sign this important legislation into law and offer a sense of stability to both our military veterans and our nation’s seniors,” Fitzpatrick said, after the President’s signing of the bill, Saturday. “The bipartisan support and passage of this legislation I’ve championed reminds us that it’s always important to keep our promises. I’m proud to have helped guide this legislation into law and hope Washington can build off this going forward.

The newly-signed law ensures that all service men and women enlisted in the U.S. military prior to Jan. 1 of this year will receive the full cost of living adjustments in retirement - before and after age 62. This legislation undoes the 1% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) reduction found in the bipartisan budget agreement signed into law in December.

Furthermore, the bill creates stability within the Medicare program by providing a fund to continue seniors’ access to their doctors, while guaranteeing physicians are fairly compensated for their work until long-term reform of the SGR (sustainable growth rate) is achieved by Congress this spring. Overall, the legislation saves more than $30 million in federal spending.

“This law is a fiscally responsible example of how Congress can work together to do the best we can for those we represent – our veterans, our seniors, and the American taxpayers,” continued Fitzpatrick. “Our military men and women have borne the battle to protect our rights and liberties. This law is another way we can demonstrate the gratitude of the nation for their service - by making sure they’re fairly compensated in their retirement.”

Congressional and local leaders commended Fitzpatrick for his guidance of the legislation in the House and for his previous efforts to restore changes to veterans’ pensions.

"Congressman Fitzpatrick has been a leader on advancing a fiscally responsible way to protect the retirement of our military retirees and current members of the Armed Forces,” said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) following House passage. “I thank Congressman Fitzpatrick for his hard work and for leading the effort in the House on this important issue."

“Congratulations and many thanks to Congressman Fitzpatrick for another strong successful bi-partisan effort to keep the promise to our soldiers and vets,” said U.S. Army Col. Daniel L. Rubini (Ret.). “Congressman Fitzpatrick stepped up to take the lead in reversing this travesty.  I continue to support his other initiatives including encouragement of vet employment and giving veterans a level playing field in government contracting.”

This is the second piece of legislation Fitzpatrick has successfully steered through the House and Senate and into law in the last six months. In August, the President signed Fitzpatrick’s Reverse Mortgage Stabilization Act into law in August – it was one of only 57 pieces of legislation during the first session of the 113th Congress.

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Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick is serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He represents Pennsylvania’s 8th district which includes all of Bucks County as well as a portion of Montgomery County. He serves as the Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.