Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) spoke at a Feb. 28, 2023, Washington, D.C., press conference on the Major Richard Star Act alongside Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and advocacy groups. (Photo: Sean Shanahan/for MOAA)

Congress is again delaying the Major Richard Star Act, a bipartisan bill that would grant combat-injured Veterans full access to both VA disability benefits and military retirement pay.

For Veterans medically retired before 20 years of service, the act would eliminate the offset that lowers retirement pay by the amount of VA disability compensation. Supporters say the measure is long overdue and ensures that Veterans injured in combat receive the benefits they earned without facing financial penalties.

Despite support in both chambers, the bills have stalled. In the Senate, S.1032 remains in the Armed Services Committee, while H.R.2102 has been referred to the House Defense and Veterans Affairs committees. Neither has received a floor vote or a public hearing, leaving the legislation’s future uncertain.

Efforts to move the bill forward were blocked in late 2025 when key members of the Senate Armed Services Committee prevented a formal vote.

Advocacy for the Major Richard Star Act has remained widespread. Veteran service organizations have expressed frustration with the delays and stressed the importance of bringing the legislation to the floor for debate and action.

 The American Legion, VFW, and other organizations delivered petitions and conducted campaigns on Capitol Hill to support the bill. Thousands of Veterans shared personal stories about how the current system shortchanges combat-injured Service Members. These testimonies have helped raise awareness among lawmakers and the public, adding pressure for action.

National American Legion Commander Dan K. Wiley spoke publicly about the legislation on Nov. 12, when he delivered 8,740 signed petitions to Congress urging action. He said injured Service Members should not lose full retirement pay because of a disability sustained while protecting the nation. He called the current offset policy an injustice and emphasized that ensuring combat-injured Veterans receive all earned benefits is a top priority for The American Legion.

Some advocates are exploring alternate paths to enact the legislation, including attaching it as an amendment to larger must-pass bills, such as the annual National Defense Authorization Act. This strategy is seen as a potential way to overcome procedural delays and bring the bill closer to becoming law.

Support for the Major Richard Star Act continues to grow. Both the Senate and House versions have attracted dozens of cosponsors from both parties, indicating wide recognition of the need for reform. Veteran organizations continue to call on Congress to act, stating that the bill is a critical step toward treating combat-injured Veterans fairly.

If enacted, the Major Richard Star Act would allow qualifying Veterans to receive full military retirement pay while also collecting VA disability compensation. Advocates argue this is essential to prevent financial hardship for those who have sacrificed in service to the country.

As of late February, the bill remains in committee, awaiting hearings and votes. Veteran organizations and supporters continue to push for congressional action, stating that the legislation has strong support and addresses a longstanding issue for combat-injured Service Members.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.