951 Combat-Injured Oklahoma Veterans Lose $1.1 Million Monthly as Major Star Act Stalls in U.S. Senate

(Isstories Editorial):- Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Jan 1, 2026 (Issuewire.com) – Oklahoma’s economy is losing more than $13.7 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 James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin to back a new legislative vehicle, S.Amdt. 4056, to finally deliver relief to 951 local retirees.

The offset, which reduces military retired pay for combat-injured veterans who also receive disability compensation, drains approximately $1.14 million from the Oklahoma economy every month.

The Cost of Inaction For the 951 affected Oklahoma 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.

“Oklahomans respect service and straight answers. Right now, 951 combat-injured Oklahomans are receiving neither,” said Senior Chief Shane Junkert, USN (Ret.), a decorated combat veteran and founder of 54KVeterans.org.

“I know what $300 a week and $1,200 a month means in an southern household,” Junkert added. “When you multiply that by 951 combat-injured retirees, that represents significant resources for rent, food, and fuel that never reach Oklahoma families or businesses because this fix remains stalled.”

Oklahoma’s Role in National Defense Advocates highlight that Oklahoma is a cornerstone of U.S. military readiness. Fort Sill serves as the Army’s Fires Center of Excellence, training every artillery soldier in the force, while Tinker Air Force Base anchors logistics and maintenance capabilities. Additionally, Vance and Altus Air Force Bases are critical for training the next generation of pilots.

“When Oklahoma provides the bases, the training, and the deployments, Oklahoma shouldn’t be told that combat-injured retirees must surrender the retirement they earned,” Junkert said. “This is kitchen-table money that keeps families stable.”

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.

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 Oklahoma Senators Supporters argue this moment represents a decisive accountability test for the Oklahoma delegation. With the defense appropriations bill (H.R. 4016) moving forward, Senators Lankford and Mullin face a direct choice: publicly support S.Amdt. 4056 to attach the fix to the must-pass defense bill, or allow the single objection from October to stand. The latter path would mean continuing the $13.7 million annual loss to Oklahoma households.

“S.Amdt. 4056 is where every senator–including those from Oklahoma–has to decide whether this offset continues,” Junkert said. “Supporting it keeps $1.1 million a month in the pockets of Oklahoma combat-injured retirees. We are looking to Senators Lankford and Mullin to help carry this fix across the finish line.”

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.

Source :54k veterans

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