Washington, D.C, District of Columbia Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - With the standalone bill stalled by one vote, 54K Veterans identifies the Appropriations Amendment as the 'checkmate' move for Chairwoman Collins to execute.
54K Veterans, representing combat-injured retirees, today issued a statement forecasting a win for the Major Richard Star Act, provided leadership pivots immediately to the only vehicle moving through Congress. The organization is calling on Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins to use her gavel to secure S.Amdt. 4056 to H.R. 4016, ending the Chapter 61 offset for 54,000 combat-injured veterans.
"The 119th Congress was briefed by these organizations that the Major Richard Star Act was their number one priority," said Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (Ret.), leader of 54KVeterans.org. "Yet, out of 77 cosponsors, one Senator objected and stalled the bill. We are seeing a 'Priority #1' treated with 'Priority #10' urgency."
Organizations like 54kveterans.org and PassTheAct.org were reportedly created due to on going frustrations with Major Richard Star Act stall. The Major Richard Star has failed to pass in the last four Congresses and has not been allowed a vote in either of the House or Senate.
A national petition change.org/54kveterans has received thousands of signatures asking Senator Roger Wicker specifically to support the Major Richard Star Act after his October 8, 2025 objection.
Recent Media Coverage
A Mississippi news report has covered Mississippi Sen. Roger Wicker’s objection and the billboard campaign calling attention to the stalled legislation. These billboards were funded by donations from combat-injured veterans across the nation.
With the standalone bill blocked, the organization points to S.Amdt. 4056 as the decisive path forward.
"Senator Collins has always been an ally on paper," continued Senior Chief Junkert. "Now, we need her to be the warrior in the room. She holds the Appropriations gavel. She controls the vehicle. The 54,000 veterans we represent are looking to her to ensure this amendment survives."
"We strongly urge The American Legion, VFW, DAV, WWP, and MOAA shift focus to S.Amdt. 4056 immediately," stated Junkert. "Our combat veterans have done the bleeding. They have done the waiting. Now, we expect our leadership to do the closing."
About 54KVeterans.org
54KVeterans.org is a grassroots coalition of combat-injured veterans dedicated to passing the Major Richard Star Act. The organization is led by Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (Ret.), a decorated combat veteran who completed six combat deployments during 18.5 years of service before being medically retired due to combat-related injuries. The coalition advocates on behalf of approximately 54,000 veterans nationwide affected by the Chapter 61 retirement offset.
Media Contact
54k Veterans *****@54Kveterans.org 817-771-3577 489 Army Drive box 24130 http://54KVeterans.org
