Victory for veterans – 23 years in the makingHouse passes Major Richard Star Act to protect and expand veterans’ benefits

“ As an original cosponsor of the Major Richard Star Act ( HR 2102 ), I have long believed that we must repeal the current policy that forces wounded veterans to sacrifice their duly earned retirement pay if they are determined to be eligible for VA disability benefits,” said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the former Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and a leading lawmaker for servicemembers and veterans. “It is truly deplorable that our wounded veterans are being penalized for the injuries they incurred while courageously defending our country—paying what amounts to a ‘wounded veterans’ tax,’” continued Smith, the author of fourteen laws to assist veterans, including by bolstering and broadening VA disability benefits. Smith noted that the legislation will complete the process he aggressively worked over 20 years ago to restore full compensation for all wounded veterans. At that time, Smith, along with then-Congressman Mike Bilirakis (R-FL), helped secure a historic compromise —which he viewed as a first step—to allow veterans with 50% or greater service-connected disabilities to receive their full disability payments, without offsets for their pensions. With this new legislation, Smith said, fairness will finally be restored for all our disabled veterans. “I strongly urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly pass this legislation and grant our Nation’s heroes the full benefits they deserve.” ###