Star Act Alliance Statement JWV is a member of the Major Richard Star Alliance, comprised of about 30 VSOs. The legislation is a significant priority item for the VSO community. As a nation, we should all agree that when a Service member is wounded in combat and forced into separation from service, they shouldn’t lose what they’ve earned through their sacrifice for our country. But right now, that’s what’s happening to some of our nation’s combat-wounded veterans. The Major Richard Star Act would fix that. Currently, combat-wounded lose part of their retirement pay simply because they were injured, a policy that punishes the very people it’s supposed to honor. Fiscal responsibility doesn’t mean breaking faith with those who already paid the price, and this bill would allow these veterans to receive their full, earned retirement pay. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) once agreed with that. Now, he stands in opposition to it. In 2003, then-Representative Wicker championed legislation ensuring that veterans who served 20 years would receive both their full retirement pay and disability compensation. That law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and made good on America’s promise to those who sacrificed the most. Today, the Major Richard Star Act applies that same promise to a smaller group, more than 50,000 men and women who were injured in combat and medically retired before reaching the 20-year mark. They didn’t quit. They were forced out because of injuries suffered in service to this country. But Senator Wicker is now standing in their way. Two weeks ago, he blocked the Major Richard Star Act from moving forward on the Senate floor, calling it too expensive and labeling the benefits a “double payment.” But there’s nothing double about it. Retirement pay is earned through years of service. Disability pay is compensation for wounds that end a career and change a life. Calling that “double” is an insult to every veteran who did their job and paid the price for it. The Major Richard Star Act is not a new benefit. It fixes a problem from 2004, when Congress eliminated the offset and left out 54,000 veterans who were forced to retire due to severe combat-related injuries. The Star Act Alliance is grateful for leaders like Rep. Bilirakis, Rep. Ruiz, Sen. Crapo, and Sen. Blumenthal, who recognize that the Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans. They understand that Service members are not double-dipping, and that retirement pay and disability compensation are two separate benefits created for two different reasons. It's time to pass the Major Richard Star Act, and we urge Sen. Wicker and all of Congress to get this bill to the President’s desk. SEN Blumenthal (D-CT): “The Major Richard Star Act would correct one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system. As an amendment to the NDAA, it would enable tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans to collect the full benefits they’ve earned,” said Ranking Member Blumenthal. “Right now they’re denied fair, complete compensation because they are subject to a dollar-for-dollar offset of their VA disability and military retirement benefits. It’s unacceptable—and I’m joining my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to right this wrong by seeking to attach our legislation to this year’s NDAA. With more than 31 cosponsors, adopting our amendment is a commonsense next step to finally provide these military retirees who already sacrificed so much the benefits they need and earned.” SEN Crapo (R-ID): “The Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans,” said Senator Crapo. “The support for this correction is clear. Though the namesake of our legislation is no longer with us, we must pass this fix on behalf of the more than 50,000 veterans, including hundreds in Idaho, who stand to benefit.” REP Ruiz (D-CA-25): “Military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation are two completely different benefits. One does not diminish the merits of the other.” REP Bilirakis (R-FL-12): “Veterans who are medically retired due to combat-related injuries shouldn’t have to forfeit a portion of their retirement pay just to receive the VA benefits they’ve earned. This unfair policy—known as Wounded Veterans Tax—forces many to sacrifice benefits they deserve. I will never stop fighting to rectify the injustice of concurrent receipt.” (fb)

Celebrate the joy of Simchat Torah with us as we embrace the richness and continuity of our traditions. This festive time is all about rejoicing in the completion of the Torah reading cycle and the beginning of a new one. Let's come together and dance, sing, and reflect on the wisdom that guides us throughout the year. Wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Simchat Torah! #SimchatTorah (fb)