WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today said that he will not support the negotiated budget proposal. Specifically, Wicker opposes the proposal’s unfair cuts to the retirement pay for current and future military retirees.

“I do not support paying for increased federal spending on the backs of our retired and active duty troops,” Wicker said. “Congress should not change the rules in the middle of the game for those who have chosen to serve our nation in the military. We can and should do a deal without cutting the benefits of our men and women who have volunteered for a military career. The plan should be rejected.”

Wicker also noted that the so-called compromise bypasses the budget conference committee between the House and Senate. The conference was established by the legislative agreement to reopen the government on October 16.