“I came to Congress to get results and work towards compromises that will allow us to make progress on the biggest challenges facing our nation.” “I hope it will serve as the foundation for future and continued bipartisan work.” These are quotes from Rep. Susan DelBene (1st Congressional District) about her vote for the new federal budget deal.
It is a disgrace that Congresswomen DelBene would vote for a budget that would put veterans into a new pension plan that lowers their yearly cost-of-living adjustment. Instead of keep pace with inflation, the new yearly adjustment would be equal to inflation minus 1 percent. The numbers add up, for a Navy E-7 who retires at 40 years, that person would lose over $70,000 by the age of 62.
Congresswoman DelBene has chosen more government spending over keeping the nations promise to our veterans. I am sure this would not have happened if veterans had high-priced lobbyists who would give large amounts of money to her and the other Representatives re-election campaigns. The issue goes across both aisles, with all of the Washington state congressional district voting for the budget. The taking from veterans’ retirement will save $7 billion over the next ten years but does not go toward paying down the national $17 trillion debt or even the deficit. Instead this money will go to the “friends” of Congress. Congresswomen DelBene has broken faith with our military and the veterans who have put their lives on the line for this country.
It is time more veterans are elected to public office, we need to stop electing these people who do not understand service and have the honor of their convictions. The revolution needs to begin, not by the barrel of a gun, but at the stroke of a pen when they are voted out of office in November 2014.
Todd Welch
Lake Stevens
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
