Facts last checked November 11, 2026
Where Iowa’s lawmakers stand
Neither of Iowa’s senators is a cosponsor yet. All 4 of its House members back the bill, and none signed the discharge petition that forces a House vote.
Contact your lawmakersNot on record yet: ask them first
These 2 members of Congress from Iowa aren’t cosponsors of the Star Act. That doesn’t mean they oppose it, and every one of them can still vote YES. A call from a constituent is how they hear it matters.
- Sen. Chuck GrassleyCall 202-224-3744Website
- Sen. Joni ErnstCall 202-224-3254Website
Iowa’s senators
Sen. Chuck Grassley
Not yet a cosponsor
Sen. Joni Ernst
Not yet a cosponsor
The Senate acts after the House. The ask for senators: “When the House passes the clean Star Act, will you pass it without changes before this Congress ends on January 3, 2027, and vote NO on the H.R. 9237 package, which cuts future veterans’ benefits to pay for its version?”
Iowa’s House members
| District | Member | Cosponsor | Discharge petition | Discharge vote, Nov 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IA-1 | Mariannette Miller-Meeks | Yes, since March 14, 2025 | Not signed | Nay |
| IA-2 | Ashley Hinson | Yes, since April 8, 2025 | Not signed | Nay |
| IA-3 | Zachary Nunn | Yes, since March 31, 2025 | Not signed | Yea |
| IA-4 | Randy Feenstra | Yes, since March 14, 2025 | Not signed | Nay |
Signing the discharge petition is a separate procedural step. Many cosponsors who didn’t sign it still support the bill.
Why it matters
Combat-injured veterans medically retired before 20 years of service are denied their full retired pay because they also receive VA disability compensation. The clean, standalone Star Act would fix that for about 54,000–60,000 combat-injured veterans medically retired under Chapter 61 with fewer than 20 years of service, without cutting any other veteran’s benefits.
The discharge petition reached 218 signatures on September 15, 2026, which lets supporters force a House vote. On November 11, the House voted 245–175 to discharge H.Res. 1247, the resolution that brings the clean, standalone Star Act to the floor. After debate, a voice vote on the resolution went against it, a recorded vote was demanded, and the House postponed that vote. If the House adopts the resolution, it then debates and votes on the bill.
If Congress hasn’t passed it and sent it to the President by the time this Congress ends on January 3, 2027, it dies and must be reintroduced.
What the bill does · Who qualifies · National status
Source: House Clerk: Discharge Petition No. 22
Cosponsor data from Congress.gov, as of November 11, 2026.
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