Urging the Congress of the United States to support the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282) to allow all medically retired service members to receive full access to their much-deserved retirement pay and benefits.
Impact
The resolution highlights the plight of approximately 50,000 retired service members who are ineligible for concurrent benefits under existing laws. The Major Richard Star Act would remove the restrictions that penalize service members for receiving both retirement and disability benefits. Such changes have the potential to alleviate significant financial burdens on these veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits they rightfully earned during their military service. The average offset under the current system, as reported by the Congressional Budget Office, can be as much as $1,900 a month, which greatly affects the quality of life for those veterans.
Summary
House Resolution 404 urges the Congress of the United States to support the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 1282), which aims to allow all medically retired service members access to their full retirement pay and disability benefits. The resolution is named after Major Richard Star, a veteran who was forced to retire after being diagnosed with lung cancer due to exposure to burn pits. The bill targets a major inequity in the current system, where service members who retire before 20 years of service and have a disability rating under 50% face reductions in their retirement pay by the amount they receive in disability compensation.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HR404 appears to be broadly supportive among the state legislators who have introduced this resolution, portraying it as a necessary step to honor the sacrifices made by veterans. Advocates emphasize that the government owes these benefits to veterans irrespective of cost implications. However, there may also be underlying concerns about the potential financial impact of increased benefits on taxpayers and veteran services funding, which have not been extensively debated in the context of this resolution.
Contention
One notable point of contention may arise from discussions regarding the fiscal responsibilities of state and federal levels in managing military benefits. While the primary focus is on the rights of veterans, the implications of increased fiscal commitments could stir debate about budget priorities and resource allocation across various departments. Ensuring support for the Major Richard Star Act would not only require legislative backing but may also invoke discussions about broader reforms in veterans' benefits and solutions to systemic issues facing military personnel.
Urging the Congress of the United States to support the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) to allow medically retired service members to receive full access to their much-deserved retirement pay and benefits.
Urging the Congress of the United States to support the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) to allow all medically retired service members to receive full access to their much-deserved retirement pay and benefits.
Requests the administration of President Donald Trump to ensure the passage of the Major Richard Star Act to provide that combat wounded, medically retired service members receive their entitlements
Urging the Congress of the United States to pass H.R. 3023, the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for PTSD Act, should it be reintroduced, or similar legislation dealing with stellate ganglion block therapy to veterans and members of the armed forces of the United States with post-traumatic stress disorder, during the 119th United States Congress.
A concurrent resolution to urge Congress to amend 38 USC § 5304 and 10 USC § 12316 to permit members of the United States reserves and National Guard to receive full or partial active service pay in tandem with disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs.