MOAA joined members of Congress and fellow veteran service organizations June 4 at the U.S. Capitol in support of the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102/S. 1032), bipartisan legislation which would end an injustice faced by our combat-wounded warriors.

“These veterans deserve action. No more words, no more delays,” said Jen Goodale, Marine veteran and MOAA’s director of Government Relations for Veteran and Retired Affairs, during the event. “We’re calling upon lawmakers to move a bill to address this injustice through Congress this session.”
 

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support Combat-Injured Veterans]

A discharge petition was introduced that would force the bill out of committee and to a floor vote of the full House. The petition requires 218 signatures to succeed; it had 213 as of June 9. The Star Act itself had 334 cosponsors in the House and 79 in the Senate as of June 8, demonstrating widespread bipartisan support.

A June 9 attempt by to move the bill forward in the Senate via unanimous consent was derailed by an objection. It marks the third such move during this congressional session.

MOAA is encouraged by the growing momentum behind multiple efforts to advance the Star Act, including ongoing discussions with key congressional committees, the discharge petition, and continued engagement with lawmakers and Pentagon officials on potential legislative pathways. While there are different views on the best path forward, MOAA believes the only unacceptable outcome is allowing the 119th Congress to adjourn without finally ending this unjust offset for combat-injured veterans.

[RELATED: Star Act Stories]

If passed, the bill would benefit about 59,000 medically retired veterans wounded in combat. These combat-injured veterans are subject to a cost-saving offset — often described as a “wounded veteran tax” — where their retirement pay is reduced for every dollar of VA disability received.

MOAA stands with fellow veterans groups, including Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Wounded Warrior Project, who realize there may not be another moment with this level of momentum. Waiting simply isn't an option, not for tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans and not for future generations who deserve to know our nation will honor its commitment to provide for those who serve and sacrifice.

[RELATED: Star Act SITREP]

We cannot afford to start over. Add your voice today and help us end the wounded veteran tax once and for all.