During the last week of session, the House adopted two resolutions I sponsored which called on the federal government to do more in support of our veterans.
House Resolution 722 calls on Congress to support the Major Richard Star Act, which would allow medically-retired service members to receive full access to their much-deserved retirement and pay benefits. Major Star was an Iraq and Afghanistan veteran who received a diagnosis of lung cancer due to his exposure to burn pits during his service. He was forced to retire before completing 20 years of service and was therefore unable to collect his retirement and disability benefits. This resolution encourages Congress to pass legislation which would right that wrong.
House Resolution 868 urges Congress to award the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to the U.S. veterans who were in Honduras from 1981 to 1992 for their service and sacrifices. This recognition would honor the service of American military personnel who served in a dangerous place, oftentimes under fire, while helping stop the spread of Communist expansion close to our borders during the Cold War.
Both resolutions were adopted.