U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani Announces Support for Landmark Veterans Package Including the Major Richard Star Act

Tucson, AZ - Today, U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani announced his support for the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, a sweeping bipartisan package that advances the Major Richard Star Act and more than 60 additional veterans' priorities negotiated between the House and Senate. The legislation honors America's veterans by strengthening benefits, improving access to care, and delivering long-overdue support for veterans, caregivers, and families.

A central priority of the package is the Major Richard Star Act, which would ensure that combat-injured veterans medically retired before 20 years of service can receive both their full military retirement pay and their VA disability compensation. This long-overdue effort closes a critical gap affecting approximately 54,000 wounded veterans nationwide, extends vital funding for veterans' healthcare and suicide prevention programs, and advances the modernization of local VA facilities.

"Those who sacrifice to protect our nation should never have to fight for the benefits they earned," said Rep. Juan Ciscomani. "Veterans across Arizona's Sixth District made it clear that advancing the Major Richard Star Act was a top priority, and I'm proud to help move this historic package forward. This legislation is a major step forward for our veterans, bringing together more than 60 bipartisan priorities, including my own, to deliver real, lasting improvements in care, benefits, and support for those who served."

The package includes provisions from four bills introduced by Rep. Ciscomani:

• H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans' Improved Access to Benefits Act
• H.R. 1458, the VETS Opportunity Act
• H.R. 5702, the Expanding Access for Online Veterans Students Act
• H.R. 668, the Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act

Two of these measures including the Rural Veterans' Improved Access to Benefits Act and VETS Opportunity Act have already passed the House with bipartisan support, underscoring strong momentum for expanding access, modernizing care, and improving outcomes for veterans in Arizona and across the country. The Take Care of America's Veterans Act (H.R. 9237) includes more than 60 bipartisan bills that improve resources for veterans facing unique challenges. Key provisions include improvements to GI Bill access, mental health care, VA contracting reforms, and expanded support for veterans with brain injuries and other service-connected conditions.

"Congressional leadership on veteran benefits modernization matters. H.R. 9237 addresses real friction points we encounter every week at Warrior Healing Center-access delays, disability rating appeals confusion, TAP access gaps. These aren't theoretical problems; they block veterans from accessing what they've earned. Congressman Ciscomani's commitment to getting this comprehensive package across the finish line is exactly the kind of leadership our veterans need." - Dr. Tim Kirk, Colonel, US Air Force (Ret) and Executive Director of the Warrior Healing Center

"As a veteran who proudly served 21 years in the United States Air Force, I know firsthand what it means to depend on the promises our nation makes to those who serve. That's why I'm grateful for Congressman Ciscomani's leadership on veteran's issues and support of HR 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. This bill would cut through VA red tape, speed up claims processing , improve disability ratings for various conditions, expand access to mental health and community care services. Juan is keeping faith with the men and woman who gave so much for this country, and I thank him for it." - Tom Murphy, Mayor of Sahuarita and chairman of Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

"Congressman Ciscomani has been a steadfast leader on veterans' issues, and his support for the Take Care of America's Veterans Act reflects his deep commitment to those who served. This comprehensive, bipartisan legislation modernizes VA health care, ends the wounded veteran tax, and strengthens benefits for our most severely disabled veterans and Gold Star families. We're grateful for his leadership and urge Congress to take swift action on behalf of our nation's veterans." - Shylo Morrison, Colonel, US Army (Ret) and a representative to Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

"As the spouse of a veteran, the mother of a newly enlisted sailor, and someone who has spent years supporting military-connected individuals and families in our community, I appreciate Congressman Ciscomani's leadership in advancing bipartisan solutions that strengthen support for those who have served our nation. The Take Care of America's Veterans Act recognizes a simple truth: veterans, wounded servicemembers, military families, and survivors have earned access to the benefits, care, and opportunities promised to them through their service. These individuals have sacrificed on behalf of all Americans and deserve a system that is responsive, accessible, and worthy of their commitment. I am encouraged to see Congress working across party lines to address these important issues." - Amber Smith, CEO of Pipeline Connects and a representative to Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

"In our society, civilian leadership makes the decision to send our military into harm's way. Therefore, I believe it is also our responsibility to make sure those brave men and women are properly supported and cared for during and after their service. H.R. 9237 will make numerous, long overdue changes that will improve the lives of all who volunteered to proudly wear the uniform. I have tremendous respect for Congressman Ciscomani for his attention and focus in supporting our Veterans." - Ben Buehler-Garcia, host of the nationally syndicated American Warrior Radio program and a representative to Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

"I am so glad to see Congressman Ciscomani take the lead in advancing H.R. 9237, The Take Care of America's Veteran's Act. This bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that goes a long way in fulfilling The United States' promise to take care of those veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect the freedoms that we enjoy in our country. I want to thank not only Congressman Ciscomani but all members of Congress who support this important piece of legislation. They fully understand just how much our veterans sacrifice for our country." - Alex Wright, Colonel, US Air Force (Ret) and a representative to Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

"Juan Ciscomani has brought the most tangible benefits to veterans in our district than any other congressman I have experienced in my 72-year lifetime. He champions the best in veteran health care and the best in the transition process from active military service to civilian life through the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). This assures the best for veterans in all benefits areas. His Veterans Council, made up of veterans from all services and ranks, of which I am a member, is a model for how elected officials can get direct and viable information to support Veterans. Juan takes his role as a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee seriously, and it shows by what he does. He's not just talk. He is action. And it shows." - J. Young Mayberry, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret) and a representative to Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

"With one of the highest concentrations of veterans in the United States, the people I represent in Sierra Vista understand the importance of improving services to the men and women who choose to serve our country in the Armed Forces. We know Congressman Ciscomani understands this. This bill combines numerous reforms that would help address the needs of our veterans. H.R. 9237 would make a meaningful difference to the many veterans and military families that call our extraordinary community home." - Clea McCaa, Mayor of Sierra Vista and a representative to Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

"Congressman Ciscomani has been a steadfast champion for our veterans, and his leadership on the Take Care of America's Veterans Act reflects a deep commitment to the men and women who served our country. For too long, veterans have faced unnecessary obstacles in accessing the care and benefits they earned, and it is essential that Congress take meaningful steps to address those needs. This legislation does exactly that, and I'm grateful for the Congressman's continued advocacy on behalf of Arizona's veterans. I urge Congress to act so that we can deliver the results our veterans deserve." - Cody Nicholls, representative on Congressman Ciscomani's Veterans Advisory Council

Background:

Rep. Ciscomani heard directly from veterans, service organizations, and stakeholders across Arizona's Sixth District about the urgent need to advance the Major Richard Star Act and related reforms. Under current law, some combat-injured veterans medically retired with fewer than 20 years of service are unfairly prevented from receiving both military retirement pay and VA disability compensation.

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