SCHNEIDER VOTES TO PASS BIPARTISAN MAJOR RICHARD STAR ACT TO ENSURE FULL BENEFITS FOR COMBAT-INJURED VETERANS

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement after he voted to pass the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act. Rep. Schneider is a cosponsor of the legislation and signed the discharge petition to force a House vote on the bill.

"My district is home to more than 30,000 veterans and to Naval Station Great Lakes, where more than 50,000 Navy sailors receive training each year, and I remain committed to fulfilling our country's promises to our veterans in recognition of their great sacrifices to protect our nation and our freedoms. I helped pass the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act to correct a longtime barrier that has prevented combat-injured veterans from obtaining their full benefits. We should always endeavor to do everything we can to support our veterans and their families, and today's bill passage is an important step in the right direction. I urge the Senate to swiftly take up this legislation and send it to the President's desk to honor our contract to our veterans who served our nation with dedication and love of country."

The Major Richard Star Act would allow a veteran with a combat-related disability to receive retirement pay, without reduction, concurrently with their disability compensation. Currently, veterans who receive combat-related special compensation and retirement pay are subject to an offset in retirement pay for concurrent receipt of such benefits.