Disabled veterans who have served in the U.S. military are currently not receiving full retirement compensation due to a policy that reduces their retirement pay by the amount they receive in service-connected disability compensation. This reduction is often referred to as the “Wounded Veteran Tax.” The Major Richard Star Act, introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, seeks to change this policy by allowing qualified veterans to receive both their full retirement pay and disability benefits.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union), which represents many members with military backgrounds, has announced its support for the bill. The legislation also has backing from major veterans organizations across the country, including Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), The American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
IAM Union International President Brian Bryant stated: “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 are urging individuals to contact their legislators to advocate for passage of this bill.
