(Washington) – Congressman John B. Larson released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 25. The legislation extends sequester cuts to Medicare in order to repeal recent changes to military retiree cost of living adjustments.

“Today, the House voted to address changes to cost of living adjustments for military retirees on the backs of our seniors. The measure passed today was the wrong way to go for the nation, pitting supporting our veterans against supporting our seniors.

“Last year, Democrats and Republicans came together to pass a budget. While the budget steered our nation away from another fiscal cliff, certain provisions needed to be revisited. I joined Members in calling for a fix to the COLA changes, cosponsoring various measures by Representatives Maffei and Miller and standing in support of the Senate version of today’s legislation.

“Despite the crucial need to fix changes to military retiree benefits, I could not vote on extending Medicare cuts to pay for it as big oil and big agribusiness continue to receive tax breaks and federal funding. From last month’s farm bill to today’s vote, politics as usual is failing the nation."

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