Legislative Action

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Legislative Action

Updated June 30, 2026

Take action today and help us support the Major Richard Star Act

A message from the Commander:

Dear Legionnaires,

I am asking all members of American Legion Post 32 to take a few minutes to contact Nebraska's members of the U.S. House of Representatives and urge them to sign the discharge petition for the Richard Star Act.

The Richard Star Act would correct an unfair policy that currently prevents many combat-wounded military retirees from receiving both their full military retirement pay and their VA disability compensation. Approximately 54,000 combat-injured veterans are affected by this offset, resulting in significant financial losses for veterans who sacrificed greatly in service to our nation.

A discharge petition is a procedural tool that allows a bill to receive a vote by the full House of Representatives when it has not been brought forward through the normal committee process. It requires 218 signatures from House members to force a vote.

At the time of this email, the discharge petition has 203 signatures, leaving only 15 more needed to reach the required 218. This is the closest the Richard Star Act has ever come to receiving a vote in Congress. We have a real opportunity to get this legislation across the finish line, but it will take veterans, families, and supporters speaking up now. The time to act is today. Please respectfully contact our Nebraska Representatives and ask them to sign the discharge petition and support the Richard Star Act.

Representative Don Bacon (NE-02)Email Contact Form: https://bacon.house.gov/contact

Representative Mike Flood (NE-01)Email Contact Form: https://flood.house.gov/contact

Representative Adrian Smith (NE-03)Email Contact Form: https://adriansmith.house.gov/contact

Suggested Message you can copy/paste directly into your correspondence:

"As a constituent and supporter of our nation's veterans, I respectfully ask you to sign the discharge petition for the Richard Star Act and support its passage. Combat-wounded veterans should not be forced to forfeit a portion of their earned military retirement pay in order to receive VA disability compensation. With only 15 signatures remaining to reach the 218 needed for a vote, now is the time to act on behalf of our nation's combat-wounded veterans. Please help bring this important legislation to the House floor for a vote."

Thank you for taking a few moments to advocate for our combat-wounded veterans. Together, our voices can help ensure that these deserving veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice.”

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501(c)(3) vs Veteran Service Organizations

501(c)(3) charities meet immediate needs - food, shelter, donations, but cannot influence Congress. Only 501(c)(19) charities or VSO’s, like the American Legion, fight systemic change.

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