PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 117-45.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Oct 8, 2021
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Specifically, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2021. The bill requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register.
The VA is authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.
People & committees
Sen. Thune, John [R-SD] · R–SD
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 117-45.
Became Public Law No: 117-45.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 423 - 0 (Roll no. 262). (text: CR H4536)
House roll call 262 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 423 - 0 (Roll no. 262).(text: CR H4536)
House roll call 262 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H4544)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 189.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4536-4537)
Mr. Takano moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5023; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5023)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S5023; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S5023)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 84.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Tester with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Tester with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. Without written report.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 117-137.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (text: CR S319)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Oct 29, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.189 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine S.189 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.189 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
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