WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators led by Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has filed the Major Richard Star Act as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), aiming to secure full benefits for over 50,000 combat-injured military retirees.

Under current law, only veterans with at least 20 years of service and disability ratings above 50 percent are eligible to receive both their full retirement pay from the Department of Defense (DoD) and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The proposed amendment seeks to eliminate what the senators call a “dollar-for-dollar offset” that unfairly reduces total compensation for medically retired veterans with combat-related injuries.

“The Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans,” said Senator Crapo. “Though the namesake of our legislation is no longer with us, we must pass this fix on behalf of the more than 50,000 veterans, including hundreds in Idaho, who stand to benefit.”

Blumenthal emphasized the importance of the measure as “a commonsense next step to finally provide these military retirees who already sacrificed so much the benefits they need and earned.”

Warren added, “Our veterans put their lives on the line for this country, and it’s time our government gives them the full benefits they’ve earned.”

Named after Major Richard A. Star—a decorated veteran forced to medically retire due to combat injuries who later died of cancer in 2021—the legislation has gained significant bipartisan momentum, with 76 Senate cosponsors. The bill also has widespread support from more than 60 veterans and military organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project, VFW, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

The amendment is under consideration as part of this year’s NDAA, a must-pass bill that sets annual defense policy and funding levels.