Congressman Van Drew Holds Tele-town Hall

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

Washington, DC – Today Congressman Van Drew released a tele-town hall, where he answered questions submitted from thousands of constituents across South Jersey. He addressed a wide variety of topics such as his vow to protect Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, the impact of the Trump tariffs, cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), key government funding bills, the rising cost of electricity, and more. 

To listen to the tele-town hall, click here. To listen to past tele-town halls, click here.

Congressman Van Drew Releases Statement on the Passage of the Continuing Resolution to Keep the Government Open

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Van Drew issued the following statement regarding the passage of the Continuing Resolution (CR), H.R. 1968, which ensures that the federal government remains operational by continuing current spending levels until September.

“Tonight, I voted in favor of the Continuing Resolution because it is a vital step in keeping our government open and maintaining essential services for the American people,” said Congressman Van Drew. “This bill simply extends current funding levels through September, preventing a government shutdown and providing time needed for President Trump and Congress to continue advancing their agenda to put Americans first. Right now, there is misinformation circulating around this resolution, and I will not stand by as false narratives spread. The CR includes no cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid. In fact, this bill ensures that these critical programs can continue uninterrupted and fully funded. 

“When it is time to vote on a full budget in September, I will not support any proposal that includes cuts to these programs, unless they target waste, fraud, and abuse. By passing this CR today, we are making sure the essential functions of the government stay funded, and that the government remains accountable to the American people.”

Congressman Van Drew Slams Disturbing State Mandate Requiring Hospitals to Ask Parents About Newborn’s Sexuality and Gender Identity

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ02)

Congressman Van Drew Slams Disturbing State Mandate Requiring Hospitals to Ask Parents About Newborn’s Sexuality and Gender Identity

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Van Drew is demanding an immediate end to a state mandate that requires New Jersey hospitals to ask parents their newborn baby’s sexual orientation and gender identity just hours after birth.

“This mandate is beyond outrageous,” said Congressman Van Drew. “We are talking about newborns who are just minutes old, and already, the state government is trying to push its radical narrative on them. Parents should be focused on bonding with their newborn, not filling out completely unnecessary forms about their baby’s gender and sexual orientation. I remember when my children were born, what a beautiful time it was being by my wife’s side, and if they had handed me this form, I would have laughed in their faces. It is inappropriate and wrong on every level. Instead of focusing on real issues, like improving healthcare or supporting struggling families, New Jersey is wasting time and resources on a policy that makes no sense. I will be introducing legislation to make sure that states that allow policies like this will face consequences. We need to get back to common sense. Let parents raise their children without the state inserting itself into every part of their lives. This has gone too far.”

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Joins Colleagues to Reintroduce Bicameral Resolution Affirming Support for the Equal Rights Amendment

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) was proud to join Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07) and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), along with Congresswomen Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), and Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), in reintroducing their bicameral resolution to overcome a significant obstacle to the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). This resolution would remove an arbitrary deadline set by Congress in 1972, affirming the ERA as the 28th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex.

“When I was 27, I represented my state at the National Women’s Conference in Houston—and I still have the ERA pin I wore that day. I’ve kept it all these years because the fight isn’t over. Two years ago, I went to Seneca Falls and met with the next generation of activists. Let me tell you—they are just as committed, just as fearless, as I was back then. And like me, they’re still waiting for this country to guarantee women the same constitutional protections as men,” said Congresswoman Garcia. “Those fighting against the ERA are the same ones who fear powerful women—the ones who pay us less, promote us less, and try to silence us. It’s long overdue to make the ERA the 28th Amendment of the Constitution. I stand today for justice, for fairness, and for future generations of women and girls who deserve fairness, justice, and equality of opportunities.”

“For centuries, women – particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ folks – have been treated as less than – less deserving of pay, less protected by law, less free to show up as our authentic selves in a world that constantly pushes us down,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “By enshrining the ERA into law, we are taking the necessary step to center our most vulnerable and marginalized communities, close the gender wage gap, combat sex discrimination, reduce gender-based violence, ensure freedom over our bodies, and more. The time is now to affirm gender equality once and for all.”

“The state of Alaska ratified the ERA and amended the State Constitution in 1972, and that is a legacy I am proud to continue advocating for at the federal level,” said Senator Murkowski. “It is past time for the equal rights of women to be guaranteed in the United States Constitution, and I will continue to advocate for the passage of this resolution until that is achieved.”

“I am proud that Hawaii was the first state to ratify the ERA, but we must finally amend the Constitution to ensure that the next generation of women are guaranteed equal rights,” said Senator Hirono. “With the reintroduction of this resolution, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for equal opportunity and equal rights for all. It has been over a century-long fight to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and we won’t stop until gender equity is enshrined in the Constitution.”

“Women throughout history have fought tirelessly against sexism and inequality, refusing to accept a world that denied them their full rights. Their courage paved the way for progress—but the fight is far from over. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Mazie Hirono, and Rep. Ayanna Pressley in reintroducing this important resolution, recognizing the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. This Women’s History Month we renew our commitment to the pursuit of true gender equality. The women who came before us didn’t give up, neither will we,” said Zakiya Thomas, President & CEO, ERA Coalition.

“The Equal Rights Amendment is a short yet powerful declaration — ‘Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex,’” said Congresswoman Dean. “Words matter—and we must be explicit in our Constitution to ensure that equality is a reality for every person in our nation. I’m grateful for Congresswoman Pressley’s leadership in this century-long fight and in the enduring legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chislom and others before us. We must expand the mission of the 19th Amendment and fulfill the promise of the ERA.”

“There is no deadline for equal rights,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “The United States Congress and the required number of states have ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, which is over 100 years in the making. An arbitrary deadline will not stop progress on equal rights. Now is the time for Congress to pass this resolution to ensure that we enshrine equal protections for our mothers, sisters, daughters, and grandmothers who have championed this cause.”

“Generations of women, especially women of color, have relentlessly fought for equal rights in a system that has long denied them fairness under the law — and that fight is far from over,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “I led the fight in Virginia to make our Commonwealth the final state needed to ratify the ERA, taking a stand on the right side of history. Now, we must finish the job by enshrining gender equality in the Constitution once and for all.”

The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced 100 years ago to codify gender equality. Since 1923, the constitutional amendment was introduced in every session of Congress until it passed in 1972 in both the House and Senate. Congress then placed an arbitrary seven-year deadline on the ratification process before extending the deadline to 1982, but only 35 ratified the ERA before the arbitrary deadline.  However, with the recent ratifications of the ERA by Nevada in 2017, Illinois in 2018 and Virginia in 2020, the 38 states needed for certification of the ERA to be become the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has now been reached.

Ratifying the ERA, which states, “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State on account of sex”, would affirm women’s equality in our Constitution, enshrining the principle of women’s equality and an explicit prohibition against sex discrimination in the nation’s foundational document.

As the 28th Amendment, the ERA would serve as a new tool—for Congress, for federal agencies, and in the courts—to advance equality in the fields of workforce and pay, pregnancy discrimination, sexual harassment and violence, reproductive autonomy, and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Enshrining this protection in our Constitution also ensures enduring protections for all Americans across the country.

It would also signal to the courts that they should apply a more rigorous level of review to laws and government policies that discriminate on the basis of sex, making it more likely for them to be struck down.

Congresswoman Garcia has been a co-lead on this resolution since she first entered Congress in 2019.

Text of the resolution is available here.

See the Congresswoman’s tweet here.

On Equal Pay Day, I joined my colleagues in reintroducing a resolution to remove the arbitrary deadline on the Equal Rights Amendment. The fight for constitutional gender equality has gone on long enough. It’s time to make the ERA the 28th Amendment. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/r8R80EXLBI

— Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) March 25, 2025

Reps. Garcia, Barragán, Bonamici, and Ramirez Announce the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

HOUSTON, T.X. – Today, Reps. Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-1), and Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03) announced the reestablishment of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness. The caucus will act as a dedicated forum for Members of Congress to work toward the common goal of ending homelessness in this country. 

“No one should have to worry about having a safe place to call home, but too many veterans, families, and individuals are struggling to find affordable housing. That’s why I’m working hard in Congress, pushing for real solutions, securing critical funding, and making sure we’re doing everything we can to keep people housed,” said Rep. Garcia. “As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness and a Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing, I’m committed to fighting for our most vulnerable and making housing more accessible for all.”

“Housing is a basic human right, yet too many people in our communities are forced to live on the streets, in shelters, or in unstable conditions. We need bold, compassionate solutions that address both the immediate needs of the unhoused and the systemic issues that fuel this crisis,” said Rep. Barragán. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in reestablishing the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness to fight for real, lasting solutions that will help get people into homes and keep them there.”

“Safe, stable, and affordable housing is foundational to thriving families and communities. It’s unacceptable that affordable housing is out of reach for too many Oregonians and Americans, and too many people are one bad day away from becoming homeless,” said Rep. Bonamici. “I’m grateful to join my colleagues Reps. Barragán, Garcia, and Ramirez to reestablish the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness and work on real, evidence-based, solutions to address homelessness and the affordable housing shortage.”

“Safe, quality, affordable housing is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. No one in the richest nation in the world should have to live without a place to call home. Yet, too many of our neighbors are unhoused,” said Rep. Ramirez. “As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Homelessness, Representatives Barragán, Bonamici, Garcia, and I are committed to fighting like heaven and hell to address the root causes of homelessness in our country.”

The Congressional Caucus on Homelessness aims to analyze the complex factors contributing to homelessness and educate Members on the various federal programs vital to serving our unhoused community members. Just as importantly, the Caucus will continue its work advocating for funding for these programs and explore the varying policies necessary to secure housing and life-changing services for the nearly 800,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in the United States.

Current members of the Caucus include Reps. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), J. Luis Correa (D-CA-46), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), and Mark Takano (D-CA-39).

Contact: Joseph Guzman | Joseph.Guzman@mail.house.gov 
 

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement following the passing of Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ-7):

“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend, Congressman Raúl Grijalva, after his battle with cancer. Raúl was a force for good, a champion for Native communities, for our environment, for the God given right to clean water and clean air, and for the future of this country. He always reminded us that the fight was for the next generation, for the babies who would inherit this world. Raúl never lost sight of who he was fighting for.

“Whether he was fighting for Dreamers, workers, or tribal communities, he always led with his heart, humility, and an unshakeable commitment to doing what was right. I was proud to serve alongside him in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. My thoughts are with his family, his staff, and the Arizonans he dedicated his life to serving. His legacy will endure.”

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Leads More than 110 Colleagues in Condemning House Republican Conference Leadership for Xenophobic Attack on Congressman Adriano Espaillat

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) led more than 110 of her colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning House Republican Conference leadership for allowing the spread of false and xenophobic rhetoric targeting Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, following his Spanish-language response last week to President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. Joining Congresswoman Garcia in leading this resolution are Representatives Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Rob Menendez (D-NJ-08), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20), Andrea Salinas (D-OR-06), Gilbert Cisneros Jr. (D-CA-31), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34), Linda Sánchez (D-CA-38), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Greg Casar (D-TX-35), Grace Meng (D-NY-06), Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24).

On March 5, 2025, the official X page for the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) falsely referred to Congressman Espaillat as an “illegal immigrant,” questioning Espaillat’s immigration status and patriotism—despite his lawful citizenship, election to Congress, and years of dedicated service to the American people. 

“This outright xenophobic and reprehensible attack is not just an insult to Congressman Espaillat, but to every immigrant who has followed the law, earned their citizenship, and dedicated themselves to serving this country,” said Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. “This demeaning anti-immigrant rhetoric has no place in the halls of Congress, and those in Republican leadership who have stood back and allowed this disgraceful statement to stand need to be held accountable.” 

“It is disgraceful that House Republican leadership allows false and xenophobic attacks against Congressman Espaillat to go unchecked,” said Congressman Darren Soto. “He is a U.S. citizen who has dedicated years of service to the American people, and questioning the legitimacy of a duly elected member of Congress based on lies is dangerous and unacceptable. With this resolution, we make clear: xenophobia has no place in our democracy.”

“The Trump Administration and Republicans have gone to great lengths to vilify, harass, and lie about hard-working immigrants since they took power,” said Congressman Rob Menendez. “I’m proud to stand alongside my friend and colleague Congressman Espaillat as he leads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and will continue to partner with him to uplift the voices of immigrants, whose stories are rooted in dignity and respect for our friends and neighbors.”

“Attacking Congressman Adriano Espaillat with false and xenophobic rhetoric is unacceptable. Congressman Espaillat has dedicated his life to serving this country and the American people. We will not stand by and allow hatred and division to flourish in our political discourse,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “This behavior has no place in Congress or our society. We must stand united against these attacks and uphold the values of respect and inclusivity.”

“Republicans have sunk to the lowest level, using blatant racism meant to dehumanize all immigrants, no matter their status. My colleague, CHC Chair Adriano Espaillat is a proud U.S. citizen and strong advocate for the immigrant and Latino community,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García. “It’s disgusting to see Republicans fueled by such hate, particularly toward Latino and Black immigrants.”

“Congressman Espaillat has dedicated his life serving the people of New York,” said Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. “Republicans know you must be a citizen to be elected to Congress. Calling one of their own colleagues an ‘illegal immigrant’ shows they don’t care about ‘decorum’ and that even if you work hard, follow the law, and devote your life to public service, they’ll still try to dehumanize you with hateful rhetoric. Deleting the post isn’t enough – Republican leadership must apologize.” 

“Congressman Espaillat is a good friend and a proud American citizen who serves his community in New York, and Hispanic and Latino Americans nationwide, tirelessly,” said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez. “He is a true example of a public servant. The NRCC’s inability to take fault and apologize isn’t surprising. Unfortunately, their vile racism is their usual behavior.”

“This is an insult to the millions of immigrants who have followed the law and earned their citizenship,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng. “Congressman Espaillat has dedicated his life to serving the American people. This hateful, anti-immigrant rhetoric has no place in our country let alone the halls of Congress.” 

Following mounting criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, the NRCC quietly deleted the tweet roughly 48 hours after the post went up without any public apology, making clear that the House Republican Conference leadership does not denounce the post itself and are only trying to contain the public fallout.  

The resolution formally condemns House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, House Republican Chair Lisa McClain, Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern, House Republican Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore, Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson for allowing the House Republican Conference’s political arm to make a false statement and call into question the citizenship of Congressman Espaillat. 

This attack came just days after Republican leaders claimed they wanted to ensure decorum and elevate the discourse in Congress. Instead, they have chosen to sow division and question the very legitimacy of a sitting Member of Congress. It’s hypocrisy at its worst. 

In addition to Congresswoman Garcia and her co-leads, the resolution has been cosponsored by Reps. Pete Aguilar (D-CA-33), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Delia C. Ramirez (D-IL-03), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26), Al Green (D-TX-09), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07), Becca Balint (D-VT-At-Large), Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At-Large), J. Luis Correa (D-CA-46), Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25), Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Betty McCollum (D-MN-04), André Carson (D-IN-07), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Pablo José Hernández (D-PR-At-Large), Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Luz Rivas (D-CA-29), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX-37), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03), Bennie Thompson (D-MS-02), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), George Latimer (D-NY-16), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA-34), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO-05), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09), Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Emily Randall (D-WA-06), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Mark Pocan (D-WI-02), Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06), John Larson (D-CT-01), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-03), Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), Dina Titus (D-NV-01), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Val Hoyle (D-OR-04), Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), Maxine Dexter (D-OR-03), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Gerry Connolly (D-VA-11), Jill Tokuda (D-HI-02), Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05), Ami Bera (D-CA-06), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37), Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Josh Riley (D-NY-19), Derek Tran (D-CA-45), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07), Kelly Morrison (D-MN-03), Laura Friedman (D-CA-30), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), and Mike Thompson (D-CA-04).

CLICK HERE for the resolution text.  

Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Statement on the Passing of Congressman and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX-29) issued the following statement following the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner (D-TX-18): 

“I am devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Congressman Sylvester Turner. He was a trailblazer, a dedicated public servant, and a true champion for the people of Houston.  

“He was a native son of Houston, born and raised in Acres Home, in the same year as the Brown vs. Board of Education decision, to a soft-spoken father and a mother who picked cotton. He never forgot where he came from, which fueled his commitment to change the world. I saw this first hand from the moment I met him in the 1980s and supported him throughout his political career.

“For 27 years, my friend was a fixture in the Texas House of Representatives, a man of strong moral character who always led by example. While serving together in the Texas Legislature, I witnessed how he worked relentlessly to deliver for his constituents. As Mayor of Houston, he channeled a fearlessness and grit that allowed him to guide our city through an unprecedented seven federally declared natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. He leaves a lasting legacy of uplifting neighborhoods that were often overlooked. We are all better for his work to create a fairer, more equitable Houston.  

“When he decided to bring his service to Washington, he brought with him the hopes and needs of the historic 18th Congressional District of Texas. He was my partner in good trouble, always ready to fight fiercely for those who needed him the most. My heart is with his family and all who knew and loved him. Houston has lost a giant, but his impact will never fade. If there is one thing he loved more than the City of Houston, it was his daughter Ashley and his grandchildren. God has gained a good man in his kingdom, from Acres Home to the Promised Land. Rest in peace, my dear friend.” 

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Calls for the Removal of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) issued the following statement regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s unauthorized disclosure of classified military plans, including the planned timing of a strike on a Houthi militant in Yemen:

“Fire Pete Hegseth! Posting classified war plans on a commercially available app is one of the worst national security breaches in history! It put American lives at risk!

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Secure Full Military Benefits for Local Disabled Veterans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

Washington, D.C. –Today, Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have reintroduced the Major Richard Star Act alongside Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)

This critical legislation will rectify an injustice that keeps combat disabled Veterans from receiving full military benefits. Currently, over 50,000 medically retired Veterans are forbidden from receiving their full retirement pay and disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act would repeal this unfair offset, allowing these disabled Veterans to receive both their retirement pay and their disability compensation. The bill is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star—a father, husband, and decorated war veteran who, as a result of his combat-related injuries, was medically retired. Major Star sadly lost his battle with cancer on February 13, 2021. Today, when the bill was re-introduced, it already had the support of over 185 original cosponsors in the House and 43 in the Senate. 

“After serving and sacrificing for our nation, too many veterans face unnecessary roadblocks in receiving the benefits they need, have earned, and deserve,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz(CA-25). “The Major Richard Star Act would repeal the unjust law that stands in the way of veterans receiving the military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation that they have rightfully earned.”

The brave men and women who return from serving our country should be able to receive the benefits promised to them. Military retirement pay and service-connected disability compensation are two completely different benefits. One does not diminish the merits of the other,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). “I am committed to rectifying this injustice for all Veterans, and passage of the Major Richard Star Act will get us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that Veterans receive the benefits they have earned and deserve.”

“As a member of the American Legion and a concerned veteran, I am deeply troubled by the policy that deducts retirement pay from veterans with a disability rating of less than 50%. Disability compensation and retirement pay are distinct, and veterans should not be penalized for their injuries. This unjust practice needs to end, and our disabled veterans deserve better.” –  Timothy Hanratty

The Major Richard Star Act is endorsed by all leading Veteran Service Organizations throughout the country.