Bilirakis Leads Bipartisan Push to Advance Major Richard Star Act

Washington, DC:  Congressman Bilirakis is leading the charge to advance his priority Veteran legislation before the end of this term.  The Major Richard Star Act, which is jointly authored by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA), has garnered widespread bipartisan support, as evidenced by its 326 cosponsors in the House and 73 in the Senate.  This critical legislation would rectify the issue of concurrent receipt for over 50,000 medically retired combat Veterans.  The letter to House leadership, spearheaded by Bilirakis, was signed by a bipartisan group of 65 lawmakers.  

The lawmakers wrote…“We write to express our strong support of H.R.1282, the Major Richard Star Act, and ask for its swift consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives. This bill would repeal the unfair offset of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) retirement benefits and VA disability compensation and provide full concurrent receipt for these veterans who retired with less than 20 years of service…Congress has enacted legislation to progressively provide relief for this unfair offset between military retired pay and disability compensation, including in 2004, when Congress implemented concurrent receipt for veterans who served over 20 years and had at least a 50 percent disability rating. However, many veterans remain penalized under the status quo…The Major Richard Star Act has the momentum and support necessary to carry it quickly through both chambers in Congress and to the President to be signed into law. Given its substantial support in Congress and true bipartisan nature, we respectfully urge you to consider this bill under suspension of the rules at your earliest opportunity.”

To review the letter in its entirety, click here. The Major Richard Star Act has been endorsed by over 23 major Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs).