Trump and his entire administration are doing what matters most.
In a major victory for America’s wounded warriors, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has publicly endorsed the Major Richard Star Act, a bipartisan proposal that would restore full retirement benefits to thousands of combat-injured veterans.
The announcement is being hailed by veterans groups as a potential turning point in a years-long battle to correct what many consider one of the most unfair policies affecting disabled service members.
If passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump, the legislation would provide critical financial relief to roughly 54,000 medically retired veterans who were forced to leave military service because of combat-related injuries.
What Is the Major Richard Star Act?
The bill is named after Major Richard Star, an Army combat engineer who later developed cancer linked to toxic burn pit exposure.
The legislation would allow eligible veterans to receive both:
- Full military retirement pay
- Full Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation
Under current law, many combat-injured veterans are denied this concurrent receipt. Instead, their retirement pay is reduced by the amount they receive in VA disability benefits.
For veterans who sacrificed their health in service to the nation, supporters say this offset amounts to a financial penalty for being wounded in combat.
Pete Hegseth’s Support Could Be a Game Changer
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Pentagon’s proposed $1.5 trillion budget for fiscal year 2027, Senator Richard Blumenthal asked Hegseth whether he supported the legislation.
Hegseth answered directly: “We support the Major Richard Star Act.”
That statement immediately energized veterans advocates who believe the Trump administration’s backing could provide the momentum needed to finally pass the bill.
Representative Jimmy Patronis described Hegseth’s endorsement as a “game changer.”
How Much Money Could Veterans Receive?
Advocates estimate that affected veterans could regain nearly $2,000 per month on average.
That additional income could help cover:
- Housing costs
- Prescription medications
- Utilities
- Food and transportation
- Family expenses
For many wounded veterans who remain of working age but face ongoing medical challenges, the change could provide lasting financial stability.
Why This Matters to Combat-Injured Veterans
Veterans who complete at least 20 years of service and have disability ratings above 50 percent are generally eligible to receive both retirement and disability benefits.
However, veterans forced into early medical retirement due to combat injuries often receive reduced compensation.
Supporters argue this creates a two-tier system that punishes those who were injured in the line of duty.
Veterans organizations say this policy sends the wrong message to service members currently risking their lives for the country.
Massive Bipartisan Support in Congress
The Major Richard Star Act already has overwhelming support on Capitol Hill, including:
- Nearly 80 U.S. senators
- More than 320 members of the House of Representatives
This broad backing reflects growing recognition that combat-injured veterans deserve the full benefits they earned.
Cost Concerns Remain
Some lawmakers, including Senator Roger Wicker and Senator Ron Johnson, have raised concerns about the long-term cost of the bill.
Estimates vary:
- Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee: approximately $11 billion over 10 years
- Congressional Budget Office: approximately $78 billion from 2026 to 2036
Fiscal conservatives argue that Washington must balance its obligations to veterans with the nation’s growing debt.
Supporters counter that caring for wounded veterans is not discretionary spending—it is a moral responsibility.
Veterans Groups Demand Action
Major advocacy organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, are pressing Congress to act.
Kristina Keenan of the VFW said saving money by reducing benefits for combat-disabled veterans is unacceptable.
Advocates stress that America must keep its promises to those who suffered life-changing injuries while defending the nation.
Could President Trump Sign the Bill?
The White House has not yet issued an official statement, but Hegseth’s endorsement is widely viewed as a strong indication that the Trump administration is sympathetic to the legislation.
If Congress sends the bill to the president’s desk, it could become one of the most meaningful veterans’ reforms in years.
Final Thoughts
The Major Richard Star Act is about more than government spending.
It is about honoring the sacrifices of combat-injured veterans who gave so much for the United States.
With Defense Secretary Hegseth now publicly supporting the bill and bipartisan momentum growing, many veterans believe the time has finally come to deliver the full retirement and disability benefits they earned through service and sacrifice.