Personal Conversation Confirms: Gus Bilirakis Will Never Stop Fighting for Our Heroes
I spoke exclusively with Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R FL), who is leading the charge on legislation to correct a long standing injustice facing thousands of America’s heroes. The Major Richard Star Act would allow veterans to receive both their retirement and disability benefits in full, a right that many are currently denied.
Under current law, combat injured veterans who served fewer than 20 years must give up a dollar of retirement pay for every dollar of disability compensation they receive. The Major Richard Star Act would eliminate this offset, ensuring that medically retired service members receive both payments.
“The Major Richard Star Act will ensure that more than 50,000 combat injured veterans receive the benefits they rightfully deserve by correcting the injustice of concurrent receipt. I will never stop fighting for our heroes,” Bilirakis told me.
The bill honors Maj. Richard Star, an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who passed away in 2021 from service connected cancer. It has already gained broad bipartisan momentum, with over 300 cosponsors in the House and 75 in the Senate. Bilirakis says he is “hopeful” the measure will pass once it reaches the House floor.
As of April 4, 2025, the Major Richard Star Act was formally referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs by the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. This marks an important step in the legislative process as the bill advances closer to a full House vote.
Critics point to the Congressional Budget Office’s estimate that the legislation could cost nearly $10 billion over 10 years. Bilirakis pushes back strongly, insisting, “This is not an entitlement program. This is a promise to care for our veterans.”
This issue is not new. In 2022, Congress passed the PACT Act, expanding compensation for service members exposed to burn pits like Maj. Star. However, reforms on “concurrent receipt” stalled. With Bilirakis bringing the Major Richard Star Act back to the forefront, the stakes are clear. If passed, eligible veterans would see an estimated $1,200 more per month on average, directly improving the lives of more than 50,000 combat injured heroes.
Once again, Congressman Gus Bilirakis is proving he is a steadfast advocate for those who sacrificed the most.
Article By Louis Johns
