Bill > HR511

This bill, called the AMERICANS Act (Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots Act), provides comprehensive remedies for military service members who were discharged or faced adverse actions due to refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The bill prevents the Department of Defense from implementing a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate without explicit Congressional authorization and offers several key remedies for affected service members. These remedies include the ability to have their discharge status changed to "honorable" if they were previously separated solely for refusing the vaccine, potential reinstatement to their previous service grade, restoration of lost pay and benefits, expungement of adverse actions from their service record, and continued professional development opportunities. The bill also requires the military to make efforts to retain unvaccinated members and provide equal consideration for promotions and assignments, with limited exceptions for certain international deployment scenarios. Additionally, the legislation provides for exemptions based on natural immunity, underlying health conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs, and releases service members from any obligation to repay bonuses they might have been required to return due to vaccine-related separation. These provisions apply regardless of whether the service member previously sought an accommodation to the vaccine policy.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/511/all-info