Wounded Warrior Project Celebrates Major Richard Star Act's Passage in the House of Representatives

Wounded Warrior Project Celebrates Major Richard Star Act's Passage

On November 12, 2026, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) expressed its appreciation for the U.S. House of Representatives' recent approval of the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102). This significant piece of legislation seeks to eliminate the unjust tax that has burdened over 60,000 combat-injured veterans. WWP senior leadership emphasized gratitude for the dedicated efforts made by key lawmakers in advancing this legislation, providing veterans with a much-needed relief that has been long overdue.

According to Jose Ramos, WWP's Senior Vice President of Government Community Relations, the passage marks an essential step toward ending the highlighted disparity within military compensation structures. “For far too long, our combat veterans have had to sacrifice a portion of their retirement pay in conjunction with receiving disability benefits that they rightfully earned through their service and sacrifice,” Ramos stated. The implementation of the Major Richard Star Act promises to eradicate this inequity and ensure veterans receive the comprehensive benefits they deserve.

Currently, federal regulations obligate nearly 60,000 combat-injured veterans—especially those classified as Chapter 61 retirees with less than 20 years of active service—to forfeit one dollar of military retirement pay for every dollar allocated as VA disability compensation. This taxing offset has led to significant financial strain for these veterans, making the legislation's support critically important. The Major Richard Star Act aims to abolish this offset, allowing veterans to fully enjoy their entitled retirement and disability compensation without deductions that currently exist.

Named in honor of Army Major Richard Star, who faced dire health challenges due to toxic exposure during his deployments, the act serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans. Major Star's illness and subsequent medical retirement cut short his military career just shy of the 20-year mark. Sadly, he passed away less than a year after the act was introduced in February 2020.

The Wounded Warrior Project is actively leading the Star Act Alliance, a coalition comprising over 25 organizations advocating for the swift passage of this legislation. The Major Richard Star Act remains among WWP's top legislative priorities, underscoring its commitment to grassroots advocacy, public awareness initiatives, and strong engagement with lawmakers, emphasizing the long-held mission of restoring equity to veterans’ benefits.

Additionally, WWP urges the Senate to promptly consider and pass the Major Richard Star Act. The organization continues advocating for the elimination of the wounded veteran tax, ensuring that those who have profoundly impacted our nation are granted the benefits and recognition they deserve.

As the leading service organization for veterans in the nation, Wounded Warrior Project aims to enhance the total wellness of veterans, service members, and their families. WWP works diligently to provide essential support systems, facilitate engagement opportunities, and proactively address veteran suicide prevention, ensuring the brave individuals who served the country receive the care and resources necessary for a thriving post-service life.

For more details on Wounded Warrior Project and its initiatives, please visit the official website.