Bill > S117

This bill, known as the AMERICANS Act, provides comprehensive remedies for members of the Armed Forces who were discharged or faced adverse actions due to refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. The bill prohibits the Department of Defense from imposing a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate without explicit Congressional approval and offers several key provisions for affected service members. These include the option to have their discharge status changed to honorable, reinstatement to their previous service grade, expungement of adverse actions from their service record, and compensation for lost pay and benefits. The bill also requires the Secretary of Defense to make efforts to retain unvaccinated members, provide them with equal professional development opportunities, and create exemption processes for those with natural immunity, underlying health conditions, or religious beliefs conflicting with vaccination. Additionally, the bill releases service members from any obligation to repay bonuses associated with their separation and provides reimbursement for those who have already repaid such bonuses. The remedies apply to all covered members, regardless of whether they previously sought accommodation from the Department of Defense's COVID-19 vaccination policy.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/117/all-info