Courtney Votes to Advance the Major Richard Star Act to Final Vote

November 11, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC — Today, on Veterans Day, Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) voted to advance the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) to a final vote on the House floor, which is now expected to take place tomorrow. Courtney and a bipartisan coalition successfully forced tomorrow’s vote on the Major Richard Star Act via a discharge petition , which Courtney signed earlier this year. The Major Richard Star Act would fix an injustice in the law that currently diminishes earned retirement benefits for veteran retirees who also collect service-connected disability benefits. “As our nation pauses on Veterans Day to recognize the sacrifice and service of veterans, the House has taken a major step to ensure medically retired veterans get the full support and benefits they have earned,” Courtney said. “I implore all of my colleagues to vote ‘yes’ on the Major Richard Star Act when it comes up for a final vote.” Currently, combat-injured veterans who were forced into medical retirement are only able to receive either U.S. Department of Defense retirement benefits or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act would amend the law to allow these medically retired veterans to receive both their full retirement pay and disability compensation. On Monday, in a speech on the House floor, Courtney called on his colleagues to pass the Major Richard Star Act. To watch and download Courtney’s full speech, click here . ### Issues : Veterans & Military Personnel