Rep. Aguilar Joins Rep. Takano, Local Veterans to Advocate for Passage of Veterans Disability & Retirement Legislation

October 21, 2026 Press Releases Rep. Aguilar Joins Rep. Takano, Local Veterans to Advocate for Passage of Veterans Disability & Retirement Legislation The Major Richard Star Act, which would ensure veterans with combat-related disabilities are able to collect their full retirement pay and their disability pay, received the necessary 218 signatures requiring a vote on the House floor SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33) held a press conference with Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39) and local veterans to call for a House vote on the Major Richard Star Act. The bill would let combat-injured veterans receive both their retirement and their disability pay in full, even if they left service before 20 years. Under current law, veterans injured while serving our country who leave the military before 20 years of service lose a dollar of retirement pay for every dollar of disability pay they receive. The Major Richard Star Act, which is co-sponsored by Reps. Aguilar and Takano and has broad bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, would end the offset for combat-injured medical retirees. The bill is supported by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and many other veteran service organizations. Rep. Takano, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) led a discharge petition to force a vote on the bill. In September, the petition reached the required 218 signatures to force the House Speaker to bring the bill up for a vote. The bill is now awaiting a vote on the House floor. You can watch the full video of the press conference here and find photos from the event above and here . “When veterans are forced to retire early due to combat-related injuries, they should not pay a penalty with a reduced retirement check because they received a disability payment. That’s just plain wrong,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33). “That’s a car payment. That’s rent. That’s groceries for the family. These veterans served our nation, and the law today asks them to pay for their injuries. It’s not fair, and it’s not right. It’s time for the House of Representatives to vote on the Major Richard Star Act.” “Veterans should not have to wait any longer,” said Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “A majority of House members want to bring the Major Richard Star Act to the floor, and once we are back in Washington, it will receive a vote. Getting rid of the wounded veteran tax as soon as possible will show these great Americans that their government continues to honor their service and sacrifice.” “Let me be clear: Military retirement is earned through service. VA disability compensation is earned through sacrifice,” said Jose Mendoza, California State Commander of Disabled American Veterans. “Our veterans should never have to surrender one to receive the other. The Major Richard Star Act would allow veterans to receive the full benefits they have earned. Thank you to Rep. Pete Aguilar for your advocacy and support of this legislation. Let’s get it done.” Back To News