WASHINGTON, DC (January 14, 2014) – Congress broke its promise to veterans with critical cuts to military retirees’ benefits. As a result of a bipartisan, backroom deal made in December, Congress reduced the annual cost-of-living adjustment for military retirees and survivors, leading to a 20 percent cut to retirement benefits over the course of their lives. For a retired E-7, that could mean the loss of $83,000 in retirement savings.

As part of the omnibus spending bill, Congress plans to restore the cuts to cost-of-living increases for disabled military veterans and their survivors. But that is not enough. IAVA continues to call for a full repeal of the cuts to all military retirees.

“Congress broke its promise to veterans by agreeing to cuts to military retirees,” said IAVA CEO and Founder Paul Rieckhoff. “Congress is crossing a line in the sand by failing to fully protect veterans benefits. Veterans nationwide continue to demand that Congress listen to us and repeal cuts to military retirees as quickly as possible.”

IAVA has joined other leading veterans and military groups, including those from The Military Coalition, to fight the cuts. About 10,000 IAVA members have signed a petition calling for Congress to block the changes to military retirement.

To help veterans facing hardships due to transition issues, IAVA supports veterans through its innovative Rapid Response Referral Program. Veterans can contact a RRRP case manager by calling 855-91-RAPID (855-917-2743), emailing transition@iava.org, or visiting www.IAVA.org/RRRP. RRRP’s highly qualified staff of case managers assist veterans with employment, education, housing, mental health, and other services. IAVA is set to expand the program next week in California.