The fight for the Major Richard Star Act has officially entered a new phase — and Congress can no longer hide from it.
Today, the discharge petition for H. Res. 1247 officially went live in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In less than TWO HOURS on Day 1, the petition already reached 157 signatures.
That should send a message to every Member of Congress in Washington: the time for excuses is over.
This legislation was originally introduced by Gus Bilirakis and has amassed overwhelming bipartisan support with 330 additional cosponsors behind it. This is not a fringe issue. This is not partisan legislation. This is one of the most broadly supported veteran bills in Congress today.
But here’s what should concern every American:
The discharge petition itself was not filed by the original Republican author of the legislation.
It was filed by Mark Takano and Raul Ruiz — because leadership continued delaying action despite overwhelming support.
And after the first wave of signatures today, one thing became impossible to ignore:
Not a single Republican signed the discharge petition.
Not one.
That raises a serious question:
Are some members of Congress willing to publicly cosponsor legislation for combat-wounded veterans… but unwilling to take the one action that actually forces it to a vote?
Because sponsorship without action means nothing.
Signing the discharge petition IS the action.
For years, combat-wounded veterans medically retired under Chapter 61 have been forced to forfeit earned military retirement pay simply because they were injured in combat before reaching 20 years of service. The Major Richard Star Act would finally correct that injustice for tens of thousands of veterans and military families.
This should not be a partisan issue.
This should not require political games.
And it certainly should not require veterans to beg Congress to do the right thing after already sacrificing their bodies for this country.
A discharge petition exists for one reason: when leadership refuses to move legislation that clearly has enough support to pass. Under House rules, once 218 signatures are reached, Congress is forced to hold a vote.
The American people are watching closely now.
Veterans are watching.
Military families are watching.
And every Representative who cosponsored this bill but refuses to sign the discharge petition will now have to explain why.
If your Representative claims to support combat-wounded veterans, then call them today and ask a very simple question:
“Will you sign the discharge petition for H. Res. 1247?”
Because words are easy.
Cosponsorship is easy.
Action is what matters.
323 House cosponsors already support the Major Richard Star Act.
Now it’s time to make that support count.
Sign H.Res. 1247 and help force the floor vote 54,000 combat-injured veterans have been waiting for.
#MajorRichardStarAct#Veterans
We appreciate the @SecWar and @DeptofWar for your support of the Major Richard Star Act during a recent Senate hearing. Addressing the offset impacting combat-disabled veterans is an important step toward keeping our promise to those who served.
Now Congress must follow through. @VFW_OfficeDC
#MajorRichardStarAct #Veterans #Military
The costs of war include caring for our veterans. I pushed Sec. Hegseth to pledge his support for the Major Richard Star Act—vital legislation to eliminate the wounded warrior tax.
Senator Blumenthal introduced 3 amendments to Sen. Con. Res. 33 last night.
https://t.co/MDDUDQaFV0...
https://t.co/SiRm3cV470...
https://t.co/wfylvexz69...
All three were for inclusion of the Major Richard Star Act, but unfortunately none of these amendments were discussed! The Senate resolution will now go to the house for passage there and there is a chance when it comes back to the Senate for reconciliation that Senator Blumenthal may be able to propose another amendment.
While we applaud his efforts it is clear that we need to put more pressure on those in Leadership to advance or even allow discussion on this bill.
We need more action in the House! SGT Brooks called on the house minority to file a discharge petition! Contact your reps and urge them to do the same!
#MajorRichardStarAct #NoMoreDelays
Full list of the ONLY Senators not sponsoring the Major Richard Star Act! Give them a call and tag in the comments! Ask them why they don't support our troops?
#MajorRichardStarAct#NoMoreDelays
@_AmateurHour@rumar4u@MichaelRapaport Sure, if the round is the same as typically used for hunting and the powder isn't degraded from age and or improper storage. Could of been a target load, could of been bad reload, Could of been comprised by that idiot grinding on it.
@RubenGallego They also consider the Major Richard Star Act as too expensive! 54K Combat Wounded Vets are currently paying for their own VA disability…
@GuntherEagleman@LeaderJohnThune I wish you where correct. However, I offer exhibit A of how turd republics can stay in office after stabbing conservatives in the back over and over again.
Yes, per U.S. Energy Information Administration data: average U.S. retail gas price during Biden's full years (2021-2024) was $3.28/gallon. It started at $2.42 when he took office in Jan 2021, peaked at $5.03 in June 2022, and ended at $3.20 in Jan 2025. For comparison, it was $2.28 in 2020 and $3.02 in Feb 2026 (before rising to $3.63 as of March 13, 2026 per AAA).