Rep. Sewell votes to end the “Wounded Warrior Tax”

U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, voted Thursday in favor of the Major Richard Star Act, bipartisan legislation that would end the so-called “Wounded Warrior Tax” and ensure that veterans who were forced to medically retire due to combat-related injuries receive the full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation they have earned. Today's vote comes after a Democratic-led discharge petition secured the support of 218 House Members, forcing Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the legislation to the House floor.

"When our servicemembers return home with life-altering injuries, they should never have to fight another battle just to receive their benefits," Sewell said. "I am proud that House Democrats led the effort to force this vote and ensure that this long-overdue legislation finally received consideration on the House floor. It is simply wrong that our combat-injured veterans are forced to choose between the retirement pay they earned through years of service and the disability compensation they deserve for the sacrifices they made. I was proud to vote for the Major Richard Star Act to end this injustice."

The Major Richard Star Act would eliminate longstanding inequities in military retirement benefits by allowing eligible medically retired veterans to receive their full Department of Defense retirement pay and VA disability compensation without an offset. The legislation represents an approximately $12 billion investment in the nation's veterans and is a top legislative priority for Veterans Service Organizations across the country.

Medically retired veterans have faced a dollar-for-dollar reduction in their military retirement pay based on the amount of VA disability compensation they receive. The Major Richard Star Act would end this practice, giving eligible veterans the ability to receive their full retirement pay and disability compensation without penalty.

"Supporting our veterans should never be a partisan issue, and we should never balance our budget on the backs of those who sacrificed so much for our country," continued Sewell. "I am proud to stand with our veterans and the organizations that have fought tirelessly to advance this legislation. We must keep our promise to those who have served and ensure every veteran has the resources they need to live with dignity."

Sewell said she remains committed to supporting Alabama's veterans and ensuring that those who have sacrificed in service to our nation receive the care, benefits and opportunities they deserve.