Pennsylvania House Bill HR404

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/24/24
• Refer: 4/24/24

Caption

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.