Resolution Urging Congress to Pass the Major Richard Star Act
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Summary
This model resolution calls on Congress to pass the Major Richard Star Act, which would expand eligibility for veterans to receive military retirement pay and disability compensation concurrently. The legislation seeks to eliminate the offset that reduces retirement benefits for certain veterans who were medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service.Model Policy
WHEREAS, the Major Richard Star Act is proposed bipartisan legislation in Congress that seeks to amend federal law to expand eligibility for concurrent receipt of disability compensation and retirement pay for veterans; and
WHEREAS, current federal law requires a dollar-for-dollar offset of disability compensation and retirement pay for a veteran with a disability who was medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service, denying them the full benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice; and
WHEREAS, approximately 50,000 veterans with disabilities, including those who sustained combat-related injuries, are affected by this offset, resulting in significant financial hardship, with an average loss of approximately $1,900 per month in earned benefits based on 2022 estimates from the Congressional Budget Office; and
WHEREAS, the Major Richard Star Act aims to allow an eligible veteran with a disability to receive both his or her full United States Department of Defense retirement pay and United States Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation concurrently; and
WHEREAS, the bill has garnered significant bipartisan support in Congress with substantial co-sponsorship in both the House of Representatives and the Senate; and
WHEREAS, [State] is home to approximately [Number] veterans, with many veterans with disabilities who have served honorably and who are impacted by the current offset policy; and
WHEREAS, more than 50 veterans’ organizations have endorsed the Major Richard Star Act, highlighting its importance in the veteran community; and
WHEREAS, Congress has a duty to care for veterans with disabilities by ensuring they receive the support and benefits earned through their service; and
WHEREAS, veterans with disabilities are advocating Congress for the elimination of this offset, and expressing their concerns with the current policy; and
WHEREAS, the Major Richard Star Act aims to honor and support all veterans, including those in [State], by ensuring they receive the full benefits they earned through their service, regardless of their length of service; and
WHEREAS, the [State Legislature] recognizes the importance of continued conversations related to veterans with disabilities who have sacrificed for our nation;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the [State Legislature] hereby expresses its support for the Major Richard Star Act and urges the United States Congress to pass this legislation to ensure veterans with disabilities receive their full United States Department of Defense retirement pay and United States Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation without offset.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the [Clerk or Equivalent Legislative Officer] is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, members of the [State] congressional delegation, and to the sponsor and co-sponsors of this Resolution for distribution.