Disabled veterans in the United States are currently subject to a reduction in their retirement pay that matches the amount they receive in service-connected disability compensation. This practice, often referred to as the “Wounded Veteran Tax,” has drawn criticism from several organizations representing veterans and labor.
The Major Richard Star Act, now before both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, seeks to change this policy. If passed, it would allow eligible combat-injured, medically retired veterans to receive their full military retirement pay alongside their disability benefits without any offset.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), which counts many veterans among its members, has publicly endorsed the legislation. The union joins other national organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), The American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in supporting the bill.
“On behalf of the 600,000 active and retired members of IAM Union, I want to thank the bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives for supporting this very important piece of legislation that is intended to improve the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for this country,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The IAM is a diverse labor union with a very significant number of veterans in our membership. We will always fight for the rights of our veterans. The House and the Senate must pass the Major Richard Star Act to end the unjust offset that penalizes combat-injured veterans by denying them the full benefits they have earned.”
Supporters urge constituents to contact their legislators to express support for passing the Major Richard Star Act.
