Congressman Van Drew Stands Up for Veterans' Benefits, Calls for Passage of Major Richard Star Act

Washington, DC - Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement after working to prevent the Taking Care of America's Veterans Act from advancing to final passage in its current form due to serious concerns over using reductions in certain veterans' disability benefits to pay for other provisions in the bill. "Doing right by our veterans has always been one of my highest priorities, and this bill contains many provisions that I strongly support," said Congressman Van Drew. "But the way it is paid for is unacceptable. It would reduce disability compensation available to veterans who file claims for service-connected health conditions. We should never take benefits away from one group of veterans to provide benefits to another. That is why I could not in good conscience support it in its current form. I have spoken directly with the VFW and veterans across South Jersey, and they share these serious concerns. "I am a proud cosponsor of the Major Richard Star Act and signed the discharge petition to bring it to the floor. The bill would end the unfair offset that prevents certain combat-injured veterans who were medically retired before reaching 20 years of service from receiving both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation. These veterans earned both benefits through their service and sacrifice, and they should not be forced to choose between them. Congress should pass the Major Richard Star Act as written and then work together to advance the other worthwhile provisions in a responsible way that does not make disabled veterans pay the bill. We can and must do better for every veteran."