Rep. Menefee Commends the Passage of the Richard Star Act in the House

November 12, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Christian D. Menefee (TX-18) applauded House passage of the Major Richard Star Act, bipartisan legislation that ensures medically retired, combat-injured veterans can receive their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation without one benefit reducing the other, allowing roughly 59,000 veterans in this country to have more money to spend on gas, groceries, and utilities. The bill reached the House floor through a bipartisan discharge petition that secured the 218 signatures needed to bypass House leadership and force a vote. “These veterans didn’t choose to be medically retired. Combat chose that for them. So the least that we can do as a Congress is to make sure that we stop penalizing them,” said Congressman Menefee. For months, Congressman Menefee has fought to pass the Major Richard Star Act without tying it to legislation that would cut other veterans' benefits. In July, he spoke on the House floor opposing Republican efforts to combine the bill with the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, which would cut veterans' benefits. Republicans argued that the two bills had to move together, but today's passage of the Major Richard Star Act as a standalone bill proved otherwise. With more than 250,000 veterans calling the Houston area home, including more than 20,000 in TX-18, for Congressman Menefee, supporting veterans is personal. “My parents, my sibling, and four of my aunts and uncles have served in the military. When I was in high school, my family used a VA home loan to buy our first home. That benefit made a difference in our lives, and I know it makes a difference for so many other military families, too. Our veterans have earned these benefits. They shouldn't have to fight to receive them,” said Congressman Menefee. Congressman Menefee will continue pushing for the bill's passage in the Senate and fighting to ensure veterans and their families receive the benefits and support they have earned through their service to our country. Watch Congressman Menefee’s full remarks from today HERE or by clicking the photo below. Image Issues : Congress Veterans