HawaiiWhig67 Loc: Honolulu, HI

No, it will impact every Veteran between the ages of 38-62.

Once you hit the age of 62, the full COLA goes back into effect. However, consider that every Veteran (wounded or retired) regardless of era will be hit should piss you off as much as any other Veteran.

Consider this; If they cut our benefits and the Veterans do not unite in protesting, what's next? Politicians will not stop until Veterans create an unapproachable line and force the government to not touch things.

Our wonderful organizations (VFW, NCOAA, IAWA, Legions) haven't made a big enough fight for us which has allowed 2013 to see 1. Veterans Pharmacy costs increase, 2. Health benefits (TRICARE Base, Prime, Life) enrollment fees increase, and 3. Cuts to COLA for retirees.

Even that free health plan which Veterans had upon leaving is no longer free. It will cost us an enrollment fee just to use the ER now.

HawaiiWhig67 Loc: Honolulu, HI

I agree that Congress controls the budget, but remember that it still needs approval from the Senate and President. When you are outnumbered 2 to 1, you'll still get beaten.

Had the Republican congress not pushed a bill that 1. increased debt ceiling (again) and found something the Democrats would approve for cuts; it would have been the Republican's fault for not passing a budget.

Now, I'm not supporting either party (I AM A MODERN WHIG); I'm actually mad at both sides. The Democrats need to realize that you can't spend your way out of problems and need to keep their grubby hands out of things they know nothing about (Social workers shouldn't make a health plan), but the Republicans need to stop compromising on their morals. It seems that the going rate for betraying Veterans is Thirty pieces of silver.

alex Loc: michigan now imperial beach californa

just a reminder the senate is half of the congress

HawaiiWhig67 Loc: Honolulu, HI

So Noted; My communication got a little jammed on that t***smission. But both have to v**e for it.

RetNavyCWO Loc: VA suburb of DC

Retired military COLAs are part of standing laws that also apply to Social Security, so to delete or decrease them requires a new law; and, hence, hopefully, a debate. Existing law says that the average increase in the CPI during the third quarter of each year is compared to the average increase in the third quarter of the previous year. COLAs are then equal to the percentage of the increase. In 2009, the third quarter of the CPI was less than that of 2008, so we got no COLA. In 2010, there was an increase over 2009, but it was still less than the third quarter of 2008, so we went two years in a row without a COLA. There was no new law required. This new cut will stand, without debate every year, unless a new law is passed to change it.

poppabear42

What is there confusion about raising the debt ceiling, it has been a normal part of paying debts, that congress has put on our credit cards.
Remember Bush, and his two wars, and tax cuts for his rich buddies?
And when stupid people closed down the government...in the amount of, $25 Billion dollars, and still counting.
All of this was done to supposedly, save us from, a medical insurance bill that is costing a hellava lot less than $25 Billion dollars.
So, you play, you pay! And it is a dream type situation, when you can do something that stupid, and blame it on someone else.
And for all of you that are stupid enough, to think that Santa might have placed that $25 Billion, under the Christmas tree...You are soooo wrong. Also, if you are wondering exactly what that much money created for us, or anyone else, it is exactly... ZILCH...It will be just another reason for a debt ceiling increase.
Guess what, not one individual, is doing time for this stupid move.
As a matter of fact, the real, guilty parties, are thought by some, to be some kind of celebrities.
To compound this stupidity, is the fact, that there are some i***ts out there threatening to do it again.
So, no one should ever be confused about the debt ceiling, and the reason for it!!!

HawaiiWhig67 Loc: Honolulu, HI

I think most Veterans (including myself) would have just dealt with the cut if the government had cut other projects (or even their own pay) and made the cuts to help balance our debt.

The thing is that it didn't, the government betrayed Veterans in order to increase the debt ceiling (how much more our government can borrow and spend).

In the same bill, the government gave brothels a tax cut and to make it worse, the prostitutes in Vegas are already tax exempt.