Ricketts Introduces Package to Support Servicemembers, Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C.– This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced a package of bills to support servicemembers and veterans.  He introduced theMedical Integrity in Necessary Diagnostics (MIND) for Our Veterans Act of 2025with Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).  The bipartisan bill ensures that servicemembers receive effective, evidence-based mental health screenings prior to separation from active duty.  Ricketts also introduced theService Members Tax Relief Act of 2025.The bill would fully exempt active duty and reserve military compensation from federal income taxes.
“Our servicemembersand veterans sacrifice for the country.  We owe them more than we can ever repay,”said Ricketts.“That’s why I’m working to ensure these brave women and men keep all the benefits they earn during military service.  We also need to make sure that servicemembers are set up for success when they transition back to civilian life.  These bills strengthen our support for Nebraska servicemembers, veterans, and their families.”
“Far too many veterans moving from active duty to civilian status slip through the cracks,said Senator Slotkin.“Having served alongside our military, I know that our veterans deserve nothing less than the highest medical standards when it comes to their mental health. The MIND Our Veterans Act is about making sure every servicemember gets the mental health care they’ve earned from day one of civilian life.”
“These bills are in keeping with my commitment to America First principles and advances President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda by alleviating the burdens on our service members in some small measure,”said Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-8), the House lead of the Service Members Tax Relief Act.“Our service members face high operational demands and cost-of-living pressures that outpace pay tables. So, anything we can cost-effectively do to ease those pressures, should be done. These bills are fiscally conservative in that they offer relief through the tax code instead of new spending. It is a win-win; the exemption instantly improves take-home pay, while helping with recruitment and retention, which in turn keeps our war fighters strong.”
TheMIND Our Veterans Actwould:
This bill is endorsed by the American Legion.
Bill text can be foundhere.
TheService Members Tax Relief Actwould:
Background
MIND Our Veterans Act
Every year, thousands of servicemembers transition from active duty into veteran status.  This transition can bring significant challenges, especially when it comes to mental health.  Research consistently shows that recently separated servicemembers face heightened risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance misuse, depression, and even suicide.
Currently, the Separation Health Assessment (SHA) lacks a standardized, validated mental health and drug-use screening.  This jeopardizes early identification and intervention for servicemembers in crisis, leaving the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to address problems after they have escalated.
Service Member Tax Relief Act
Servicemembers’ basic pay is fully taxable, along with most forms of special duty pay and bonuses.  While certain allowances like housing (BAH), subsistence (BAS), and combat zone pay are excluded, these exemptions only partially ease tax burdens.
While some states already exempt portions of military income, the federal tax system continues to treat active duty and reserve military salaries as taxable income.  This legislation would recognize the extraordinary service of America’s men and women in uniform by ensuring they keep more of what they earn.  This bill would support readiness, recruitment, and retention while honoring the sacrifices servicemembers make every day to defend the United States.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-8).