House approves bill to restore retirement benefits for wounded Veterans
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KESQ)- The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Major Richard Star Act (H.R. 2102) on November 12, 2026, in an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 392–18, advancing legislation that would restore retirement benefits for thousands of combat-injured veterans.
Led by Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), the bill would eliminate the so-called “wounded veteran tax,” allowing medically retired combat veterans with fewer than 20 years of service to receive both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation.
Under current law, many of these veterans lose one dollar of retirement pay for every dollar they receive in VA disability benefits. The Military Officers Association of America estimates that the offset costs affected veterans approximately $14,400 annually.
“ This is a historic victory for combat-wounded veterans and their families,” Ruiz said, emphasizing that the fight will continue until the Senate acts.
The legislation is named after Army Reserve Major Richard Star, who advocated for the reform while battling cancer. Star died in 2021 at age 51, before seeing the legislation advance.
After years of delays and growing bipartisan support, the bill finally secured a House floor vote following a discharge petition led by Ruiz and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA). The petition reached the required 218 signatures on September 15, 2026.
The legislation has received support from dozens of veterans and military organizations, including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Wounded Warrior Project.
With House approval secured, attention now turns to the Senate, where companion legislation, S. 1032, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), awaits action.
For thousands of combat-injured veterans and their families, the House vote marks a major step toward ensuring they receive the retirement and disability benefits they earned through their service.
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