Ranking Member Takano Pushes for Major Richard Star Act Discharge Petition Signatures at VSO Backed Press Conference

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano held a press conference with his Major Richard Star Act discharge petition cosponsor, Congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25). The Major Richard Star Act legislation will end the “wounded veteran tax”, or the offset that keeps medically retired veterans from receiving their full Department of Defense retirement pay and their full Department of Veterans Affairs disability pay.

"For years, veterans have been expressing the urgent need to end the 'wounded veteran tax'. We've heard them loud and clear. Their number one priority is our priority. We must pass the Major Richard Star Act," said Ranking Member Takano. “Paying the full cost of war shouldn't be partisan; it's the right thing to do. It is time for us to act.”

"It is an outrage that our wounded warriors are experiencing a gross injustice. Veterans who were forced to medically retire are penalized and unable to receive both their disability and retirement benefits. The Major Richard Star Act is the solution. The discharge petition will force a vote and with 330 cosponsors it will pass. Our veterans can’t wait, sign the petition now," said Congressman Ruiz.

“Taking care of our veterans should be unanimous, and correcting the gross injustice faced by thousands of combat-injured veterans who are seeing their benefits drastically reduced should be simple. We’re fighting relentlessly to get the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act brought to the floor for a vote and to deliver this win to veterans in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Congressman Pappas (NH-01), a resolution cosponsor and Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee on Economic Opportunity. “I joined my colleagues, veterans, and veterans’ service organizations today to say it loud and clear: We will use every tool possible to ensure our nation’s heroes receive the full benefits they earned and we will not give up.”

“Today, tens of thousands of my fellow veterans who had to retire because of their battle wounds are being denied their full retirement pay and VA disability compensation. I think that’s a betrayal,” said Navy Veteran, and former House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Member Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17). “The Major Richard Star Act would fix this blocking of earned benefits, and I’m glad to add my name to Ranking Member Takano’s effort to bring this bill up for a vote on the Floor of the House. Let’s get this passed.”

A number of Veteran Service Organizations participated in the event.

Retired U.S. Army Sargant Neil Duncan represented Wounded Warrior Project. As a paratrooper, he deployed several times to combat zones. On one of those deployments to Afghanistan, an improvised explosive device detonated under his truck, leading him to lose both of his legs and sustained numerous injuries. He spoke of his personal connection to the Major Richard Act saying, “I kept my promise. I served. I sacrificed like many. And I’m asking Congress today to pass the Richard Star Act. I’m here representing myself, but also 59,000 other folks that would be impacted by this bill that are similar situations as I am. The Major Richard Star Act would fix this injustice.”

Jon Retzer, National Legislative Director for Disabled American Veterans, expressed his organization’s frustration that the Congressional Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) rule has caused delay in getting the Major Richard Star Act to the House floor for a votesaying, “Let me be clear. A grateful nation should never try to balance it’s budget on the backs of the men and women who served this nation... We are here to support the discharge petition... it would wave PAYGO so that the House doesn’t have to cut veterans’ benefits in order to pass the Star Act.”

Jess Finucan, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, called on Major Richard Star Act cosigners to sign the discharge petition, saying, “To say this bill has overwhelming support would be an understatement, yet here we are. At some point, support on paper stops being enough. Co-sponsoring a bill is easy. Taking action moving forward is what matters... Today is the perfect opportunity to turn words into action by signing the discharge petition and bringing the bill to the House floor.”

Michael Fimmano, Chief Legislative Officer for Vietnam Veterans of America, spoke to the importance of following through on the commitments we make to our veterans in return for their service, saying, “We are here because we seek a level of fairness and have not forgotten our sacred promise to all generations. Never again does indeed mean never again.”

Jen Goodale, Director of Government Relations for the Military Officers Association of America, spoke of the overwhelming support the Major Richard Star Act has received, saying, “Congress has united behind this legislation. Military veteran advocacy organizations have united behind this legislation. Grassroots supporters of all stripes, veterans, caregivers, families, spouses, and even concerned citizens have united behind this legislation. All for one simple reason. It corrects an injustice impacting the lives of tens of thousands of wounded warriors. These veterans deserve action.”

David Star, Retired Army First Sergeant and brother of the late Major Richard Star, represented the Veterans Justice Alliance at the press conference. He spoke of his brother’s legacy and the need to make progress for our nation’s wounded warriors.

The Major Richard Star Act is supported by Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans Justice Alliance,Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Reserve Organization of America, National Guard Association of the United States, Blue Star Families, Fleet Reserve Association, Jewish War Veterans, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Team Rubicon, Student Veterans of America, Blinded Veterans Association, Non Commissioned Officers Association, Military Family Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, Association of the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, National Defense Committee, Mission Roll Call, and a number of other Veterans Service and Advocacy Organizations.

The full recording of the press conference can be found here.

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