DEMOCRATIC VETERANS CAUCUS CHAIRS RYAN, DELUZIO, AND LIEU CELEBRATE HOUSE PASSAGE OF THE MAJOR RICHARD STAR ACT

Democratic Veterans Caucus Chairs Ryan, Deluzio, and Lieu Celebrate House Passage of the Major Richard Star Act

The Major Richard Star Act eliminates the “Wounded Veteran Tax,” under which combat-wounded veterans lose $1 in retirement benefits for every $1 they receive in VA disability benefits

The bill lets combat-wounded, medically retired veterans receive their full military retirement pay and VA disability benefits without one reducing the other

WASHINGTON, DC  –  Today, the co-chairs of the Democratic Veterans Caucus, Congressmen Pat Ryan (NY, Army), Chris Deluzio (PA, Navy), and Ted Lieu (CA, Air Force), released the following statement celebrating yesterday’s House passage of the Major Richard Star Act:

“When American heroes wounded in service to this country come home, the last thing they should have to worry about is being able to afford their care. That’s why we’ve been fighting tooth and nail for months to advance this legislation, and why we’re so proud to see it pass the House today. 

“The Major Richard Star Act is the largest expansion to veterans benefits in years. It rights one of the most egregious wrongs in this country – that retirement pay should be reduced just because a veteran receives disability benefits. It’s straight up un-American. This bill ensures that wounded veterans receive both their full retirement pay and disability benefits – because that’s what they’ve earned. End of story. Especially as the war in Iran rages on – and with 800+ U.S. servicemembers already wounded, some with life-long injuries – it’s more important now than ever that we pass this bill and guarantee to every veteran that we’ve got their back. 

“We urge our Senate colleagues – especially our fellow veterans – to move swiftly and Patriotically to immediately pass this lifesaving legislation.”

The Major Richard Star Act would address long standing inequities in military retirement pay for veterans who were forced to medically retire due to combat-related injuries. This bill will:

• Ensure that combat-disabled veterans, and especially those who were catastrophically injured while serving, receive the retirement pay and disability benefits that they deserve; 
• And invest $12 billion in our nation's veterans to guarantee that they have the resources they need to live with dignity and thrive.

Chaired by Congressman Ryan, an Army veteran; Congressman Chris Deluzio, a Navy veteran; and Congressman Ted Lieu, an Air Force veteran, the Democratic Veterans Caucus is composed of Members from across the country and from all branches of service. 

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