Rep. Mike Flood is facing increasing pressure to cosponsor legislation aimed at supporting combat-injured veterans. Specifically, advocates are urging him to back the Maj. Richard Star Act, also known as H.R. 2102, which would eliminate a pay offset affecting many veterans who have sustained severe injuries in service.
On February 6, 2024, Flood demonstrated his political acumen by cosponsoring the Social Security Fairness Act, H.R. 82. This legislation aimed to lift a pay offset impacting approximately 2,800,000 disabled workers. In doing so, Flood catered to a constituency of around 6,437 voters in his district, a move that proved critical as he won his election in 2022 by a margin of just 6,234 votes.
The current situation highlights a similar issue faced by veterans. A 2004 oversight allowed military retirees to receive disability pay without offsetting their retirement benefits. However, this exemption did not extend to 54,000 combat-injured veterans, including 246 veterans in Nebraska, leaving them vulnerable to reduced benefits.
Despite the evident need, Rep. Flood has not yet committed to cosponsoring the Star Act. Nebraska’s veterans have voiced their concerns for over three years, appealing to Flood for support. On patriotic holidays, he publicly acknowledges their sacrifices and service, yet many feel their pleas go unheard.
Advocates for the Star Act emphasize the importance of rectifying this oversight, not only as a matter of fairness but also as a recognition of the sacrifices made by these veterans. The legislation has garnered bipartisan support, reflecting a broad consensus on the need to address this critical issue.
The call for Flood’s support comes at a pivotal moment for veterans in Nebraska and across the nation. As lawmakers continue to debate issues affecting those who have served, the pressure is mounting for Flood to align his actions with the needs of his constituents, particularly those who have borne the brunt of combat injuries.
Supporters of the Star Act hope that Flood will take this opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to veterans, ensuring that their sacrifices are recognized and adequately compensated. With the potential impact on thousands of lives, the urgency for action is clear.
