Raleigh, North Carolina Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) - North Carolina’s economy is losing more than $42.5 million annually due to a federal retirement offset that remains unresolved in the Senate. Following a procedural objection that halted the Major Richard Star Act in October, veterans advocates are now calling on Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd to back a new legislative vehicle, S.Amdt. 4056, to finally deliver relief to 2,957 local retirees.
The offset, which reduces military retired pay for combat-injured veterans who also receive disability compensation, drains approximately $3.55 million from North Carolina’s economic activity every month.
The Cost of Inaction For the 2,957 affected North Carolina families, the legislative stalemate is not a theoretical loss—it is a tangible reduction of roughly $300 per week. This covers essentials such as groceries, fuel, prescriptions, and rent.
Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (Ret.), a decorated combat veteran who was medically retired after 18.5 years of service, started the national petition Change.Org/54KVeterans. Junkert says the time for passive support is over.
“North Carolina is losing $3.5 million every month because this legislative fix is stuck in procedural limbo,” Junkert said. “We are asking Senators Tillis and Budd to publicly back S.Amdt. 4056 and ensure it is included in the final defense funding package. The question is no longer about supporting the bill on paper; it is about taking action to overcome the objection that is holding it back.”
Media Coverage of the Senate Objection The stalled legislation has drawn significant media attention regarding the specific obstacle in the Senate. A recent report by WTVA9 News details the objection by Senator Roger Wicker that prevented the bill’s passage. The coverage also highlights the billboard campaign launched across the region by PassTheAct.org to raise awareness about the delay in allowing a vote.
Breaking the Gridlock On October 8, 2025, the Major Richard Star Act was poised to pass via unanimous consent until a single objection on the Senate floor halted the measure. This objection prevented a recorded vote, leaving thousands of veterans without the benefits they earned.
Advocates emphasize that the objection rests on the argument that concurrent receipt is a "double benefit"—a claim strongly disputed by veterans' organizations. They note that military retired pay and VA disability compensation are separate entitlements: one for service rendered, the other for injuries sustained.
A Clear Choice for NC Senators Supporters argue this moment represents a decisive accountability test for North Carolina’s delegation. With the defense appropriations bill (H.R. 4016) moving forward, Senators Tillis and Budd face two paths:
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The Path of Action: Publicly support S.Amdt. 4056, filed by Senator Richard Blumenthal, which attaches the Major Richard Star Act to the must-pass defense bill.
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The Path of Silence: Allow the single objection from October to stand, continuing the $42.5 million annual loss to North Carolina households.
“No federal employee loses their pension because they got hurt on the job. Only veterans,” Junkert added. “With the vote on H.R. 4016 approaching, North Carolina is watching. Will North Carolina Senators help carry the fix, or will 2,957 families continue to lose $300 a week?”
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 combat veteran who completed six deployments. Junkert leads the effort to restore full vested retirement pay for the 54,000 veterans currently subject to the Chapter 61 offset.
Media Contact
54k Veterans Shane@54Kveterans.org 817-771-3577 Barrigada, 489 Army Drive box 24130 http://54KVeterans.org
