Disabled veterans currently face a reduction in their retirement pay equal to the amount they receive in service-connected disability compensation, a practice referred to by some as the “Wounded Veteran Tax.” The Major Richard Star Act, now introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, aims to change this policy.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), which includes many members who have served in the military, has announced its support for the legislation. The bill also has backing from several national veterans organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), The American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
If enacted, the Major Richard Star Act would allow qualified veterans to receive both their full retirement pay and disability benefits concurrently. Currently, combat-injured and medically retired veterans see their retirement pay reduced by the amount they receive from disability compensation.
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant said, “On behalf of the 600,000 active and retired members of IAM Union, I want to thank the bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives for supporting this very important piece of legislation that is intended to improve the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for this country. The IAM is a diverse labor union with a very significant number of veterans in our membership. We will always fight for the rights of our veterans. The House and the Senate must pass the Major Richard Star Act to end the unjust offset that penalizes combat-injured veterans by denying them the full benefits they have earned.”
Supporters are encouraging constituents to contact their legislators in support of passing this bipartisan measure, which seeks to eliminate what many view as an unfair penalty against combat-injured veterans.
