The National Retired and Active Federal Employees Association continues to fight for retirement benefits established by the U.S. Congress.

Currently Congress is continuing negotiations over the 2014 budget, sequestration and the debt ceiling.

A congressional committee is considering a move to determine annual cost-of-living adjustments by a new method, which will result in a lower cost of living allowance and hurt seniors who are already facing increased living expenses. It is estimated that the average CSRS annuitant will lose $48,000 during his or her retirement years under the new proposal.

Local federal retirees are welcomed to join the Lehigh Valley NARFE Chapter 1371, which meets monthly in Allentown. For more information, contact Marie Nader, membership chair, at 610-231-0237.

NARFE national headquarters are located at 606 N. Washington St. Alexandria, Va. 22314. The telephone number is 703-838-7760.