07/18/2026
Over the past week, I have been incredibly proud to stand alongside my comrades of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Washington, D.C., advocating for those who wear and have worn the uniform.
There has been a great deal of confusion surrounding the legislation being discussed, so let me be clear: the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (TCAVA) is not the Major Richard Star Act.
The VFW strongly supports the Major Richard Star Act and believes combat injured retirees should receive both their earned retirement pay and disability compensation.
Our concern is with TCAVA. While it contains provisions that many support, it also contains provisions that set a dangerous precedent. If Congress can decide that one VA disability rating is “not worthy” and change it through legislation, what prevents a future Congress from doing the same to another rating? Disability evaluations should be based on medical evidence and clinical expertise, not political winds or budget negotiations. That precedent should concern every veteran, regardless of where they fall on the political spectrum.
This is not about party politics. It is about reading the legislation instead of the talking points. We have read the bill. We have voiced our concerns. TCAVA is not simply the Major Richard Star Act under another name, and it is not what many have been told it is. I encourage every veteran to read the legislation and decide for yourself.
Veterans service organizations exist to advocate for veterans, even when that means taking an unpopular position. I am proud that the VFW continues to honor that responsibility by speaking up, protecting earned benefits, and reminding Congress that a promise made to veterans is a promise that must be kept.
