Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has recently joined the Major Richard Star Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), aimed at ensuring combat-injured veterans with fewer than 20 years of military service receive full retirement benefits alongside their disability compensation. Currently, only veterans with over 20 years of service and a disability rating of 50% or more can qualify for concurrent payments from the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Sen. Kennedy emphasized the need to support veterans who have made significant sacrifices for the country, stating, "Louisiana and America's brave veterans are underserved because they're not able to receive both retirement and disability compensation. It is only right that our combat veterans are able to retire peacefully with full benefits for their sacrifices."

The legislation is named in honor of Major Richard Star, a decorated war veteran who retired due to combat-related injuries and sadly passed away from cancer in 2021. Sen. Tester, who worked closely with Major Star before his passing, expressed his commitment to addressing the injustice faced by veterans who were forced to retire due to their injuries. He stated, "I will always demand our nation's veterans receive the full benefits they've earned, especially those who were forced to retire from military service as a result of their injuries."

Sen. Crapo highlighted the significant number of veterans who could benefit from the Major Richard Star Act, stating, "More than 50,000 veterans, including hundreds in Idaho, could benefit from the Major Richard Star Act. To honor the service of all veterans and Major Star's enduring legacy, we must meet the responsibility of ensuring these combat-injured veterans receive the full benefits they have earned."

The Major Richard Star Act is a priority for Sen. Tester, who expressed his determination to overcome any obstacles in Washington to get the bill passed and provide veterans with the benefits and dignity they deserve.

The full text of the bill is available for review on the official government website. The bipartisan support for this legislation reflects the recognition of the sacrifices made by combat-injured veterans and the importance of ensuring they receive the full benefits they have earned.